[notfarnow]

I have a hobie 16... fun boat but I wouldn't want to learn on one. When you put it pointy end down, it's a $@#%er to get upright again.

pwd72s is dead-on. Get a simple dinghy, learn on that. Fastest, easiest and least expensive way to learn.

Once you're comfortable, go get a trailerable 20-24' swingkeel boat. I had a Chrysler 22, it was dead simple to raise the mast, and had a LOT of room for a 22. Another nice trailer sailor is a MacGregor 22. Try to find a boat with a roller furling jib. Well worth every penny

Have fun! There have been times that I've been without a car, and hitchhiked to work & university... but I have NEVER been without a sailboat