Hi peter,
In NURBS modeling, those arent called "corner control points"....

Curve Points have additional properties minimally referred to as "weights", which affect surface structures.

"Patch modeling" like you would do in a poly app is a more low level, advanced technique. To learn NURBS and avoid this initial road block, you'll want to think about modeling in larger more contiguous terms and using booleans as a means to shape things.

A "boat" would be an advanced model to start on... maybe start with something like a bowl or a cup, then work your way up...