Hi flmgrip,
The easiest beach cat to handle on and off the beach will be the lightest weight boat. The fastest and smoothest sailing boat on the water especially in the ocean will be the largest boat like a 10ft beam Tornado or a 12ft beam SC20 or a Nacra 18sq. Self tacking jibs, Aquarius-Sail type, have opened the door for sloop rigged boats to be single handed. The choice is your's, performance on the beach or performance on the water.
There is also a SC17 beach cat, boardless, which is a one or two person boat designed for ocean sailing. It has adequate freeboard for sailing in waves and tall bows to prevent pitchpoling. It also comes with a built in righting system that weighs less than 2 pounds.
Good Sailing,
Bill