Spacey,
I envy you, retiring at such a young age. I have a year or two on you and I won't retire until my 70s, at best. MegaBucks lottery not withstanding.
The question that you ask is too broad for answers. There is no boat floating that isn't adored by some and despised by others; each with excellent arguments. I'd suggest that you walk the marinas and portlight shop. See what lady really turns your head. She may be cute-young-thing or a maybe a seasoned matron. Then, Google her. She what she has, where she's been and how she handles. Find out if she's easy going or high maintenance. I, being a hopeless romantic (I like walks on the beach, cuddling by the fire, etc), do consider this to be like a courtship with a fine lady. But, unlike courting, there should be no mystery when you finally commit. More than one guy (or gal) has woken up after the honeymoon to find a stranger on the next pillow. 200 NM out would be a lousy time to find out that she breaches easily.
I guess the big question is "How experience are you?". If you are just getting into sailing, consider something smaller to learn on. One of the things that you might learn is the you hate sailing. I hope not. If you live where the tides are real drainers, consider a Westerly Centaur; twin bilge keeled like helicopter landing struts. The boat is like a tank, and sits upright on the mud. Over here in the colonies, I struggle with 13 foot tides and many ledges.
Whatever you do, post pics. No pis, didn't happen.
Don
