Hello from Wilmington , NC

[Hille]

My husband and I are considering the purchase of a family friendly sailboat. I am originally from Germany and spent my childhood sailing the north sea with my parents and siblings on a 40' konsul.
now we are just trying to find tips and good information on what to purchase. I have been eying catalina 28, or something of that format.
we have three little girls, so i don't think anything smaller would be an option. i am just not sure that a catalina is something i would want to take out into open waters ...