RE: getting started
Don't discount the Robbe Rainbow. We put it on the pond with my 26 yr old son at the helm. He's never sailed a model before and he gave my Sunrise a real run for it's money. I am going to watch for another Rainbow to let my granddaughter use now. They are very forgiving and will handle a pretty good breeze considering the 20" size.
BTW, the mods to the Sunrise worked very nicely. It turns to tack much better and I think it handles better all around.