John,
Welcome to the UKWA. You have picked the ultimate family dinghy, fun to race and big enough to fit you all in plus a picnic and maybe a dog!!. My name is Simon and I run the “UKWA Gathering” Ullswater at the end of August, if you fancy a week away with like minded people and using the boats for really heavy duty sailing ( we go to the pub, a cream tea, picnics, rounders) let me know and I will send you some information.
Simon