... Go to the
local YMCA or University and take a few lessons on a 12' anything. Or
get a couple how to books.........

Unless you've blow out your back or otherwise crippled yourself over
the years in which case learn on a 20sih foot something with a keel.
I made the mistake of sending my girl friend off to the local
community college sailing school where she spent most of her time
watching the EMS folks med-evac broken adults.

Unlike power boats sail boats need nearly constant attention and can't
keep a schedule. You will find the work load higher and the time
between ports extremely variable. Also, be aware that if you are used
to going to sea in a ship you may be surprised at how small and wet a
small boat is out at sea.

These days, with the dollar so weak, the good boat yard deals in the
South Pacific are pretty much gone. You can get excellent work done
in New Zealand or Australia but you will pay a price. There are
functional yards in the Societies, Fiji and New Catalonia.

I don't recommend sailing in company to try to make up for a lack of
ability, but from the West coast there is a "class" each year that
sails in fairly close company to French Polynesia. You might want to
check out the Bahaha and the still closely tied magazine "Latitude
38". For company under way I like the HAM nets, but if you don't have
a HAM license then there are some good marine SSB nets as well.

Good luck!

-- Tom.