I envy you, you are about to embark on a journey which can truly take you to foreign ports and exotic lands. It is a great time to learn about sailing, so many resources at your finger tips. You must also learn safety, mechanics, navigation, etc. It is a journey well worth taking. Read the books, watch the videos. Learn the ropes, raise the sails the first time while tied to the dock, practice a tack at the dock, inspect all the rigging at the dock, identify all the lines and sheets at the dock. Check that all the rigging is secured and that cotter pins are in place. Lubricate all the sail slides, blocks, check every thing at the dock while learning their name and function. Then go out and learn to sail, make the mistakes we all have and learn from them, you will be surprised how fast you become a proficient sailor. You will never run out of things to learn, and the thrill of taking a boat out on the water will never cease.