If you have been flying for a year and a half, thats a good start. Fact is though, a 40 size trainer is alot different than a sailplane. You've got more to control. It is also alot faster than you think it is (Especially with a .46 in it). I was out-of-hobby for 2 years, and when i took my 40 trainer up, i was suprised how much faster it was than i remembered. Best thing to do is get an instructor to help you with your first few flights. I bet landing and taking off will be the hardest. having the sailplane is puts you ahead of the game, but an instructor is really needed in your case