Hi, I am a new sailor looking for my first boat and I am very interested in a catalina 14. My main interest is to get a boat that I can single-hand or take 1-2 other people with me and have a good time learning to sail. However I would also like a boat that would be fun for my local informal racing get-togethers. My local sailing spot (Jordan Lake, NC) has very active Laser and Flying Scot groups that often have informal mixed races on weekends. I know both the Laser and FS are planing designs, but would the Catalina at least be able to move along with these other two boats and keep it interesting if well handled? Or would I simply be left behind?