Welcome aboard!!!!
Might I recommend when you take'r out that you take some experienced crew/guests with you for a while, and let them teach you the ropes, as it is said.
Take'r out to the Islands and
anchor out a few times, get in some bad
weather. If you ever get any down there.
And, do a few 48 hour cruises. Take'r out just for putt'n around, practice backing, turning and
docking in cross winds and currents. Learn to use the
wind and
current to your advantage. That should give you some of the basic experiences for cruising.
A 44 can do a lot of $$$ damage to another boat, as well as your own. So, take your time when in close quarters. Book
learning is a good idea but there is no replacement for time on the
water.
And yes, hang out here on the Cruisersforum! There is a lot of experience in all aspects of sailing and
maintenance.
Fair winds............................._/)