Herb, The M-15 is a fairly forgiving boat. It is ballasted, so it is not as tippy as some small boats. If you run aground it is easy to hop over the side and push off. If the worse possible scenario unfolds and you swamp the boat, it has positive flotation. Just keep in mind that it is a small boat. Do not hang a big motor off the back or invite everyone in the neighborhood to go sailing with you. When sailing try to keep the boat balanced fore and aft - sit near the cabin in the middle of the boat. I use a tiller extension, some people have retrofitted a longer tiller. There is no rule that says the first time you take the boat out you have to sail it. You may leave the sails behind, you can even leave the mast and boom behind. There are enough new things to do with out the sails. If you launch the boat, motor around a bit, tie up to a dock and then recover the boat, you will have had a full day. Figuring out how to fill the fuel tank is a lot easier if you do not have the sails up. You can practice raising the mast and bending on the sails in your driveway. I would suggest waiting until the breeze has died down. As far as predictable 12-15 mph winds, I would kill for that. In the summer on our lake in Kentucky we have light winds. I have been out in 20+ mph winds which was somewhat stupid since I was the only boat on the lake, but it is a blast to rocket along. I have to wait for a front to pass through to get those kind of winds. It is a lot easier to go slow in a stiff breeze than to go fast in a light breeze. It seems that virtually everything written about sailing is about going fast. It took me a long time to realize that if you do not do the "go fast" things, you will "go slow". My sailing club offers sailing lessons, I am sure a club near you will have them. Even if you are an experienced sailor, going to lessons gives you insight into local conditions. When I was between boats, after sailing for over 20 years, my wife and I took the ASA week long course primarily so I could see how well she would be on the water. I did not expect to learn much, after all I am man so I know everything, but it was a rewarding experience. I learned how to sail off a dock and return without using the motor. I never would have tried that on my own in a million years. So, I think the M-15 is a great boat to learn to sail on, and you have a nice location to go sailing. steve Steve R. M-15 #119 Lexington, KY