Wendy:

Most of us have been there. Some may not remember as it was so far back.

Here is the rub: To learn to sail you have to have light wind so as not to be overpowered. With light wind comes the kind of conditions you are talking about.

If you can learn sail successfully in light winds you will be way ahead of me. I do have enough patience for floating around looking for wind.

Best of luck to you.

Later,
Dan