The F-17 certainly isn't an ideal first boat to learn on, but it can be done. If you have someone around that is familiar with these types of boats (F18s, N20's, F16s) then you can pull it off. Just be prepared to go swimming a couple times as you get used to it. I would learn how to sail the boat upwind and then down without the spin first just so you get used to handling the mainsheet, then move on to handling the spinnaker.
The key is finding a local, easily accessible source of knowledge to glean information off of.
I'm with tad on this one, unless you are really experienced with sailing other types of high performance boats. They are high performance. What is your sailing experience?
You might want to think about getting a used H17 for a couple years and then go to the F16, which has the option to bring friends out racing.
Also, beginners mistakes are much more costly and structurally severe on a boat such as an F17 than say a Hobie 17.
Matt
