Since you don't own a boat, you may try joining a local sailing club.
Generally inexpensive, you can pick the brains of the members. most of whom
should have a good deal of experience. I say sailing club as opposed to
yacht club because of the cost. I would guess that most sailing clubs are
affiliated with US Sailing, don't be put off by the emphasis on racing, the
affiliated sailing clubs generally have quite a few members that do nothing
but cruise.
http://www.ussailing.org/csa/memberOrgs.asp?state=FL
John Cairns


"Sink Or Sail" wrote in message
.. .
Hello Everyone,

My name is Alfred and I am married with a 4 year old son. We live in Fort
Lauderdale
and have spent our entire lives in South Florida. I'll spare you the
details
but
I've had it with things around here and I'm ready for a MAJOR change. I
have
wanted
to sail the Caribbean my whole life and never have. My heritage is Cuban
and
I
was born in Key West, 90 miles away, but never been. It's time for us to
travel.

I am selling my house and buying a sailboat. I plan on living aboard
around
South Florida for the first season to adjust to live aboard life and
sailing
out
come good weather next year. I have no sailing experience but quite a bit
of
small power boating in the Keys.

I am looking for advice on how to begin and what type of boat I'll need.
I've
lurked in newsgroups and forums for quite sometime and have spent a bit of
time
speaking with local sailors. I would like to ask a few questions and I'm
looking for all honest answers. I've considered eventually running all
the
way
to South America and up the Amazon.

Would a sailing course be best to start? or should I find someone with a
boat?

I'm considering a catamaran for it's shallow depth and stability.
Opinions?

Will a catamaran make South America safely?

My wife will most likely spend more time with our son. How large a boat
can
one man reasonably handle if properly rigged?

I'm very skilled in PC and Internet technologies. How difficult is it to
find
work in foreign countries? Will local authorities allow me to work for
provisions in the Caribbean or South America?

I realize this is difficult but, how much money does one need to live on
while
sailing the Caribbean for one year?


I know there are a million other things I should do and know before I do
this
but there is time for those. I very much appreciate any help I can get.
If
any
of you live in the Fort Lauderdale area let me know. I would be glad to
help you
out in exchange for a litter experience and advice.

Alfred