Ahoy, Newbie on Deck!

[WannaCruise77]

Hey all,
I'm new to the whole sailing scene. Me and my fiance have decided that we are sick of being landlubbers and want to get to the ocean. I'm an ex-navy man and grew up in San Diego so the sea has always been with me.
I am looking for tips advice and of course A BOAT! I'm looking for what we need to get started, how much we need to save for, what kind of boat is best for liveaboard/ cruising, and the legal stuff to go along with the whole lifestyle. All advice and input is welcome.
Thanks and we hope to meet you out there soon!
Jeremiah and Lee

[s/vPainkiller]

Welcome to the community. The search function is your friend. There is a ton of good info here. Narrow down your question a little bit and you'll get plenty of response.

Scott

[Therapy]

Welcome.

There are any number of opinions here.

Money, though the root of evil, will make a big difference in what you start looking at.

Many threads about that as Painkiller said.

[Adelie]

Originally Posted by WannaCruise77

Hey all,
I'm new to the whole sailing scene. Me and my fiance have decided that we are sick of being landlubbers and want to get to the ocean. I'm an ex-navy man and grew up in San Diego so the sea has always been with me.
I am looking for tips advice and of course A BOAT! I'm looking for what we need to get started, how much we need to save for, what kind of boat is best for liveaboard/ cruising, and the legal stuff to go along with the whole lifestyle. All advice and input is welcome.
Thanks and we hope to meet you out there soon!
Jeremiah and Lee

How many people as regular crew? Any kids?
Any experience?
What's your budget to buy and outfit the boat? (living and cruising costs extra.)
Where are do you want to sail out of? You are in KY now, which coast do you want to set off from and more specifically where on that coast?
Where to you want to go?
Are you looking to cruise extensively or liveaboard and occasionally take several weeks or months off to nip around the Caribbean or Baja?
Any really strong preferences to start with? (full/fin keel, mono/multi, spade/skeg/attached rudder, sloop/cutter/mizzen rigged)

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Are you anywhere near Lexington? I visit the in-laws there frequently.
You chose a Chief's insignia for your avatar. Just curious. I retired many years ago as a Navy Command Master Chief so am a bit familiar with the organization and lived in the San Diego area many years.
I always recommend a basic sailing course and lots of reading. Especially "Start Sailing Right!" You might want to look at the links after my signature and check out a copy of the book recommendation.
kind regards,