ahh, okay,
well you want to
race.....
I've done that on some occasions, although my j/40 is a strict cruiser.
First off, 50k is probably high for a new carbon stick alone, but
price it out. the additional costs comes in new standing
rigging, running
rigging and
sails.
You mentioned your
sails are fairly new. Well, a new rig means recut or new sails. just add that in.
If you want
race performance, another option for an older
boat may be a new
keel. If you have an older
shoal keel, that should be upgraded first.
But I am assuming you don't. You have good sails, a good
boat (what model
C&C?)
Another option is talk to a boat
designer. If you have enough to consider a new carbon rig, you definitely need to call up a
designer and get some ideas/quotes.
finally, my Ultimate recommendation: buy a thistle/Vanguard 15/laser/etc that is the fleet in your local area and sail it. You just get better much faster. Small boats offer more sailing with more demand on the helmsman, making him or her better and better in less time. Ultimately, you'll probably find it's way more fun than keelboats anyway (except lasers. They are too painful).