Hello from Hong Kong

[jbhk1976]

Hi all,
newb here, new to the board and pretty new to sailing, my only experience is a small Hobie a few times growing up around the lake, and 12 years in the USN, no sails but at least I was on the water...
Im looking to get a 30'-40' and leave the crazy over here and just going.
I've been looking online at boats and have my eyes on a few I like in Malaysia and the PI. But the problem is getting the experience to go pick any boat I actually buy up and sail it back to HK.
Sailing is pretty expensive here, will be getting my HK license in a few weeks, and doing rentals and trying to get out on boats as much as possible before the jump to full time living and cruising.
How does one actually make that jump? I dont have a massive bank account to fund what I want to do. Im sure that is another huge topic for another time and place...
Anyway thank you all in advance, i will be around.

[WanderingStar]

Study and practice. Read all the cruising books and blogs you can, talk to fellow cruisers, crew if possible. You certainly can do it, just be careful and thorough. Your Navy training gave you sea time and the ability to deal with emergencies.