Lots of interesting advice here. I guess my first question is how much do you have to spend? Next question, where will you keep the boat. The best advice I've read so far is to have a slip first. You'll be one unhappy camper w/o that!
Obviously the smartest thing to do is join a sailing club and get your feet wet. That way you'll meet lots of like minded folk and get a chance to crew on private boats cuz yer hanging down by the marina. Lots of lonely sailors there
. You think I'm kidding but I'm not. You would think I was asking people to mow my lawn instead of going sailing. I've had to take perfect strangers out just to sail on occasion. That's a whole nuther story. Just don't think owning a sailboat will make you a chick magnet. Powerboat maybe. Course-could be different where you live.
BUT-if you want to dive in head first, a 27-30 sloop is the way to go. Get a used one with auto-helm and roller firling jib-you'll thank me later. I had a 30 Morgan that I dearly loved. Beamy and quick. Ericksons are nice but a little narrow for me. The C&C would be nice as well as a Beneteau, but now we're getting up there a little.
There's a lot of nice sailboats out there. I would really crew before buying. It's kind of like a 15 year old asking what car to buy even though he's never driven. You wouldn't just say Porsche would you? Okay, maybe you would. Then I say a 30 foot Morgan!
Have fun.
PS-There is no kick a$$ fun quite like a catamaran. That's what I now sail. However, it has as much in common with sailing a 30' sloop as hang gliding. It's a totally different sport.
PSPS-Yawls? As a first boat? Yikes! How 'bout a schooner?