Think Wayfarer. You can sail competitively if you want or just cruise.
It's a lot of sail. It's simple, it's classic.

The one watchpoint I would steer you towards (as with any boat), is be
sure your wife/partner is as keen as you because getting, say, a
Wayfarer up a ramp as a single adult on your own can be VERY hard work.

Best wishes
Stephen Page