Chas,
I see that you are from Georgia, and though I agree with Pecos and the other posters info on which boats are good--it would be a good idea to see what the locals in your area are sailing. I know Atlanta has a model yacht club--sailing a boat called an ODOM (One Design One Meter) which is an excellent and reasonably economical boat.

My point being--it's much more fun to sail with others than by one's self, so consult the AMYA ([link=http://www.amya.org]www.amya.org[/link]) club directory for any clubs that might be in your area. If you do have one in your area and you select a boat that they are sailing/racing, then you're likely to get a lot of first-hand help from individuals who will assist you in the building process.

Good luck! RC sailing is a wonderful hobby.

Andy