You're right to feel that boating on a Big Lake is different than a small lake.
One difference is the weather, which can make things scary even for a 41-foot cruiser on Winnipesaukee!
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/oldforu...mes;read=62528
Read up on "Buys Ballot's Law" -- you may not want to
be on the lake at all, weather-wise. (
Buys Ballot is a Dutch weather forecaster's
name -- not into Massachusetts politics at all).
In addition, there's lots of important things to know about Lake Winnipesaukee sailing: how to deal with powerboater (and Marine Patrol) ignorance of sailing, empathy-absense towards
small traditional lake boats,
where the wind is, and "when" the wind is.
E-mail me -- I'll instruct for free in your sailboat. You'll need tell-tails on your jib, main, and shrouds.
(My boat's too fast, wet, and complicated for meaningful instruction).