Ex ketch

[coopec]

Robert Perry designed the Valiants, and many other similar types of yachts for different builders - you could try asking your question on his Facebook page perhaps? There is a very enthusiastic following on there, and I sure you will get some good suggestions.
Robert Perry, Yacht designer, Fan Club | Facebook

Surprise! Surprise! I wondered why the Valiant was so similar to the yacht I was looking for
Thanks for that clue.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Robert Perry designed the Valiants, and many other similar types of yachts for different builders - you could try asking your question on his Facebook page perhaps? There is a very enthusiastic following on there, and I sure you will get some good suggestions.
Robert Perry, Yacht designer, Fan Club | Facebook

Two boats I have always liked after sailing them are the Valiant 50 and the Crealock ( Pacific Seacraft) 40 both wonderful yachts.

 

[oldmanofthehills]

Having owned a ketch I miss that second mast. In bad weather it is common to sail a ketch with furled genoa and mizzen. No time consuming and thus risk lenghtening reefing of main, just dump all away (I have even seen in dumped on deck boom and all in a race) tighten mizzen till it balances the genoa. and off you go.

Of course with in-mast reefing the fancy modern brigade never worry about the task of reefing (well not till mechanism fails) so on a day to day basis they dont see the ketch advantage.

Additionally looks better than a sloop and gives much better backup VHF antenna position than the stern rail.

Also gives rise to possibility of mizzen stay sail or even fishermans sail between the masts if you are bored in light airs and want a bit more drive