rhpeltz,
Learning all the 'buzz-words' is harder than learning to sail. After you get a 'taste' of it, it really does get easier (just have to learn the 'proper' reactions for things...just like powered boats).
Since wind is sort of hard to see, a wind indicator on the boat is a pretty good idea. A sting, penant, flag, whatever on the top of the mast works well. It needs to be large enough for you to see, but not very 'large' at all. Wish someone had told me that when I started!
After you have done some sailing and learning what things are called, you can make it seem as hard as you want to (I mean you gotta be a sailor to sail, right? [spreading that attitude on a garden makes for amazing sized plants!]).
Have fun!
- 'Doc