If the Hobie 18 "fits" your sailing requirements, except for the beach drag, I suggest you keep the Hobie 18 and buy some beach wheels, at only $500 that will be much cheaper than any other lighter cat. If after you have had them for a while you then decide you want to buy a newer, lighter cat, you can keep the beach wheels for the next boat. If you want to get into racing, find the fleet nearest you and see who has what for sale, ask a lot of questions, you will find the answers there as they have all been down that same road.