[fuelie600]

I would recommend finding a sailing club around your area. See what boats they sail and arrange to crew for them on a race day. It will teach you about sailing and you will learn first hand the good and bad of each boat.

If you choose a boat from an active class, you will have experienced sailors to learn from and later compete against if you get into racing.

Don't be too quick to jump into a boat purchase. There is always another great deal around the corner...