This summer, I've done more sailboat racing than I've done in the last 15 years - combined! Sailing twice a week (wed. eve and sun. am) getting in about 10 races each time. Strictly one design racing - I have my good races and my bad races. It's like learning all over again. Boat is 3' long and weighs 6 lbs - radio control.
Wife likes to come along for the wed races - she sails a bit, watches, & reads her books. Afterwards, we go out for dinner. I've spent more on dinners this summer than I spent on the boat!
We tried the 'dark side' about 10 years ago with a 38' Bristol trawler - wasn't for us.