DH, I hesitate to tell you what would be the least expensive way to go as you are across the pond in England and I know there are several boats available to you over there not commonly seen here.

Probably the BEST thing you could do is NOT begin your quest by looking for a boat. Rather I should START by looking for sailors and sailing clubs and hobby shops. Take what the hobby shops tell you with a grain of salt as they usually preach whatever they want to sell most. But at least you can become acquainted with what they carry or can readily get for you. Then when you've had a chance to talk to some of the chaps in your area who ARE sailing, you'll have a much, much better idea what you need to start with. RC Sailors are friendly guys and will delight in helping you any way they can, I'm sure.

That's the direction I would go to avoid the most mistakes and start off right.