Looking to join the ranks of Contessa owners

Hello to all,
With the dream of a circumnavigation not too far for my fiancee and I, we began to look seriously at the Contessa 26 for its reputed seagoing capacities and reasonable price. Having just graduated from college, we are both ready to leave the dull classrooms and head out to the open ocean, with a lot to learn before that. Not completely new to boats (my parents and I sailed and crossed the Atlantic while I was still a child, and my father is a woodenboat builder), the task does not seem too daunting just yet. Of course, the first step is for us to acquire our very own Contessa. Maybe we should be looking at more boats, but my stubborness keeps us coming back to the Contessa.
Anyhow, we are looking for a decent Contessa to outfit for offshore cruising. We live in South Carolina but will travel most anywhere on the East Coast to buy one. We are looking to spend about $13K. Any suggestions where to find a good copy of this wonderful boat? Please pass the word along.
Cheers,
Cedric