It's an old IOR design, well found and capable of crossing oceans. She's dry, stiff, solid, points well, fast for an old girl and rigged to be singlehanded.
Down where you are, I'd prefer a split sailplan,, ketch or yawl. Weather gets up quick, and the versatility of running a small balanced sail plan when it gets ugly can save damage and injuries. Almost bought an old Morgan Out-Island 41; but since I'm doing coastal/intercoastal up here in the NE, and don't plan any extended blue water cruising the Irwin was a better beer can racer and still has the room and stamina for a week or two up the coast to Block or the Capes.
She's been in dry storage 3 years now.. back injury and crew got married. I'm doing better now; if the urge (or need) strikes she can be afloat in less than 6 hours, ready to chase. I pay the yard extra to keep her in front of the crane, opposite the hauling slip.
