We had one crew member of 6'3" last weekend and he could get by OK down below - I'm only 5'12" and don't have a problem with headroom.
The boat goes like stink, although I've never owned any other boat, just going on the fact that everytime we go out we have never been overtaken and are always passing others - a great feeling for us. Mostly crewed by SWMBO and I, although we do have a guest crew member or two no and again. Handling short handed depends on the setup as LW395 said, good furling gear is a must. I takes a bit of time to get used to in reverse as ours has a 2 blade folding prop, but we tend to go everywhere very slowly under power and we aren't afraid to take a second or third go at mooring if necessary (haven't had to yet though).
Loads of space down below, although not the most plush of fit outs, it does what it has to do well. Blue Pearl's displacement is 6 tonnes and has a 2.1m draft. No signs of mushy bits anywhere so far at least.
As for being light - it is pretty light for the sail area, but throw a reef or two in and she stays pretty stable (SWMBO is being gently eased into the "do you have to lean it over that much" type of sailing - anything over 10 degrees and she starts to get the harnesses out !
If you're back from Qatar soon, drop me a line and I'll arrange a day out if you have time.
The previous owner did quiet a bit of single handed sailing with her - I'm not confident enough yet, but don't have an issue with going it alone - it's all down to the planning and preperation.
Let me know if you need any more info / pictures etc.