Thank you for that enlightning response Christopher.
My project are to sail in the area arond Rivière-du-Loup, on the St-Lawrence river, going to Rimouski, Tadoussac, La Malbaie, etc. From what I've read, I guess the Contessa would be a proper boat for these waters. I would be sailing as musch as I can, wich means from may-June to October, every chance I get ! Eventually, I would like to go futher and try a crossing to NewFound Land or the Magdanela Islands.
Kestrel id offered at 6500$. Transportation form Halifax to Rivière-du-Loup would be another 1500$. Where you refering to Kestrel when you said that "it show bumps and bruises ..." ? I'm really new to boat owning. I have the firm iontention of working on the boat I buy but I have no experience what soe ever in taking care of a boat. I want to learn tho :-)
Tnaks again.