Most monohull people say they sail dry and don't like to get wet like on a catamaran. I've raced across Lake MI 30+ times on boats like a 26' Ranger to a Great Lakes 70, and 24' - 28' trimarans. Trust me, monohulls can be almost as wet as a multihull. You just get wetter longer.
BTW crewing for others is a lot less expensive than owning your own boat. Most owners are always looking for crew, just go hang out at the marinas.

That said, I would look at a newer sport boat only if that is what they raced locally. Unless there is a OD class of these sport boats for racing it would be cheaper to pick up a lead mine to race PHRF for 5 - 15K.

I have as much fun on my Hobie 18 with wings at $2.5K as they do on their $40 - $60K sport boats.