I have two boats, sail in a consistently windy area on inland lakes.

Recreational boat: cheap, durable, plenty of parts available, plenty of tuning experience available, was designed for reaching (it's fastest point of sail), can invite a third person if it's really windy, newbies can sail the same boat for a low cost commitment. Hobie 16

Racing boat: big local (divisional) racing fleet, reasonable price and used availibilty, plenty of tuning experience available, fast in light air, other than these reasons I would not own this boat, I'm addicted to racing <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Hobie 20