For what it is worth the hull shape and centreboard design are very close to the Australian Stingray which was/is a potent 18 footer. Certainly the lack of a hull to deck join unlike the Aussie Maricat and to a lesser extent Windrush would mean you could run a 14' sail and rig and really keep pressing on in stronger winds. What is the beam? I would think you wouldn't want anything under 7'6" to 8'especially for stronger winds.