.. though I know sod all about the First 30 apart from the fact that it belongs to Beneteau's "sportier" range. You seem to be addressing two issues at once here and I can understand both.
Silkie is no ocean greyhound nor is she the Hilton Hotel.
I can't remember which famous yacht designer it was who said "I can design a boat with any two of the following three characteristics: speed, accomodation and comfort at sea." I dare say those weren't his exact words but it remains true today. I can't help but think that to change to a boat whose design parameters were speed and accommodation (in that order) from one designed for comfort at sea and accommodation (in the terms of the times) might be going from the sublime to the ridiculous!
But you may well be right and this will be a revolution in your sailing. I often smile when I catch myself describing (in my
blog) my satisfaction at reaching six knots!
Awrrabest whatever you decide.