A Laser is a good, cheap, easy to car top sailboat, no, it's not as fast as a cat, but in a good blow it's quite a ride, there are fleets all over the place and plenty of used ones available. The kids really can't hurt it too much either.
The Laser is a great learning boat and is easily car-topped. I have to disagree with Wouter on the "keep kids away from an A" statement. Older A's would be fine, the newer high performance, delicately built A's would be an issue.
