I'm green and I got ?s

[viking 1944]

John,
When start researching boats you might buy there are many good wellsai;ing sailboats out there and some real dogs also. As was stated earlier, try to get some experience on someone elses boat in different weather conditions so you can get experience in sail handling especially in heavier weather because when wind speed doubles the energy in the sails quadruples. On your down time hang out where sailers congregate like eateries and taverns etc., you'll gain a wealth of knowledge there. Should you take the advice to start out with a small boat I would suggest the San Juan designed by Gary Mull. For open ocean I would recommend a full keel and investigate Robert Perry's designes as his reputation is for good performance boats that are sea kindly. There are of course other good boat designers past and present but these are the two whose designs I have owned. Best of luck and remember that b.o.a.t stands for: break out another thousand.