After 3 boat shows, owning a 33 foot cat for 4 years, and 2 one week long charter in the BVI, we have our final wish list for the "perfect" boat for our trip:

A large cat for the family and company
Galley Up
4 Cabins and 3 heads minimum
Proven blue water sailor
Nice wood interior with good finishing's
Dedicated office area for Scott
Can be handled by 2 in most conditions
Good ventilation

Based on those requirements, there are not many options. The biggest problem is the galley up. However, that is one of the items that is not flexible. Since we will have the 3 boys with us, no one wants to be lock down in a hull preparing meals. We see this a safety issue first and foremost. Secondly, it is about being social. At our home, the kitchen is the center of activities. We expect nothing different with the boat. Also, by having a galley up, it opens the mid hull area for an office for Scott.

The options as we see them:

St Francis 50 (see test sail blog)
Lagoon 500
Lagoon 570
Privilege 495 (or a 465 easy cruise)
Salina 48 (Fountaine Pajot)
Prout 500

There are others, but this is really our list. The others that qualify are more of the "sports car" and we are really looking for the "SUV."