|
Rauzer, as to sailing schools, I think the individual instructor is more important than the school, either one of these should work for you.
You're in R.I., Pearsons were made there, so you might find some of used Tritons or Pearson-30s around, they might work well for you. Get a good marine survey first. They're well-known boats and even though old, if in good condition and you take reasonable care of it, you can sell it later for about what you paid.
I'd also recommend getting some small-boat sailing in during your learning process, it gives you a feel for reacting to the wind and boathandling which takes much longer to learn on a larger keelboat. Ask around and maybe you can crew for someone in a lively centerboarder, maybe get some racing in. Crewing's free, and if you do it regularly you can get some tiller time in if you ask.
You're ahead of the game if you already have the navigation experience, respect for the weather and sea.
Docking a sailboat shouldn't be too hard for you to get used to. It's just that they steer great under power going ahead, but typically unpredictable when trying to back. You have to let the wind help you, you can't fight it effectively.
Best of luck, you'll like being a "rag sailor".
|