"Mark" wrote in message
om...
I've been freshwater sailing half a dozen times (Lake Michigan and
smaller reservoirs), and every time I go, I get a step closer to
wanting a sailboat.

It's a terrible disease with no known cure.

A friend has a 21' sloop (don't know the make) at a fair-sized
reservoir nearby, and we've been out on it several times, always had
fun. I have learned what I think are the basics about tacking,
jybing, reaching, etc. I believe I can safely handle a small
sailboat.

We all believe that. Some people are delusional.

Here are some questions, and I thank you in advance for tolerating all
this newbie crap:

1) For someone with my limited level of expertise, what would you all
think is an appropriate "first boat"? I'm attracted to the idea of
one with a cabin and at least a little bunk space for the occasional
opportunity to spend a weekend on the water with the wife or a couple
kids.

Something in the 25' range. There are lots to choose from. If you want
to gain a lot of knowledge about boats and have more time than money,
get one of the many plastic classics. You'll have to fix and update her, but
it'll be worth the effort. Actually, the more time than money is probably
not accurate. It's more like more time and more money.

2) Aside from OJT, what are some good resources for someone who wants
to learn more about the mechanics of sailing and about sailboats in
general (construction, amenities, etc.)? Any good books out there? I
have already read to shreds my copy of "Sailing on a Micro Budget".

I wouldn't bother too much with books unless you take a class. Any book
will give you the basics, but as I'm sure you've seen, sailing you learn a
lot
more, a lot faster.

3) As far as more advanced learning goes, what do you all think about
these sailing courses offered out of places like Florida. On the
internet, I've read about these week-long trips that leave Miami, sail
out to and around the Bahamas and back, purportedly to teach open
water sailing techniques. Has anyone here done this, and is it worth
it?

You'll love it. Go for it. My suggestion is have your wife and/or kids
take some classes also... separate from you. You don't want to be
out in it and not have someone capable of really helping. Also, the
self -confidence she'll, they'll get will be enourmous. You don't want
to have just one person on a boat who knows how to sail.

That's about it for now, but I'm sure I'll be back with even more
questions. Thanks for your help.

Don't worry, this thread will quickly turn into a flame war between
the various factions.