[bob-m]

maiden,

If you have read much on this BB you know that Jeff is a true wealth of information!! As he has stated in the past, each of us look for different things in a "cruising" vessel. I look for something quite different from Jeff. I prefer the moderate to heavy displacement sailboats (which seems to mirror your preference). Having been in heavy weather in both light & heavy disp. boats, I have found that the lighter boats beat you to death, while a good heavy disp. boat is much more stable (generally speaking). Of course this stabiltity usually comes at a price = loss of speed, larger sail area, ability to point, etc.

YOU are the only one that can answer which is more important to you. It would help if you define your objectives and what you are looking for more concisely.

good luck
bob-m