I'd also say go the club route, I spent my first summer of sailing at
Community Boating - Boston, MA, sailing daysailers as often as I could, which quickly became all day Saturdays and Sundays and most evenings. I bought my first boat, a 23' the next spring. I think there is no learning substitute for time in the boat, the more time the better, plus some opportunity to sail with more experienced sailors. serving as race crew is excellent.
Community Boating is a non-profit, adult membership is only $229 and you can use a boat as often as you wish, although you may have to wait on the dock a bit if you are there when the crowd arrives, Sat/Sun afternoons. You should check in your area for a similar club, otherwise pay more for a plac ewith bigger boats, perhaps less use of them.
Buy something next year if you both are still in the game.