Tudy,

If I recall from a previous post, the lake you'll be sailing on is pretty small - maybe a mile or so across? What are the typical summer winds like? What's the summer water temperature? Are there many other boats that use the lake?

The reason I ask, is it sounds like you've got a nice little lake to start out on as a beginning sailor.

When looking at the risk of sailing solo, a 14-foot boat on a small lake with regular boat traffic can be a lot less daunting than if you were planning to learn to sail on open ocean. If you choose your days well by keeping an ear to the weather forecast and do your learning in relatively light air, you will reduce your risk of a capsize. Things won't be happening as fast, giving you time to sort things out.

If you can, however, search out a helpful sailor in the area that can guide you through the basics, including rigging and launching. Even if it's another beginner, it can be helpful to have the extra hands until you can work out the systems and become efficient enough to sail solo.

Have a blast.