Howdy from Virginia

[naterecluse]

Hey all. I am setting out to learn how to sail either on a small leased boat or a 25'-30' (I figure if I buy a boat I want something versatile-capable for longer voyages like solo island hoping in the Caribbean/perhaps live-aboard for a portion of the year.). Do you think I can pick up the basics of sailing from reading then doing-theres a large lake in the area.

[SaucySailoress]

Reading around the subject is always a good thing, starting here of course, there is a wealth of knowledge out there nowadays. But I would always recommend that you start by sailing with someone else first (whether that is thru lessons,picking up experiencing crew for your boat, or simply by meeting some skippers down at the local marina and going out with them a few times); since there are so many hazards on boats, and so much 'etiquette' that you can't learn from books...

Welcome aboard, by the way!

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
If you are very reclusive then maybe you can read and learn while doing but truly the best way is to take a very basic course. Have a try reading "Start Sailing Right!" it is a good start and covers what US Sailing covers in their basic course with the exception of the hands-on.
kind regards,