I have looked at Northshore 38s. I recall post 1995 versions are the best, better original engine option, better transom/swim platform and something better about the rig (can't remember the details). I like them.Roomy, robust and a reasonable turn of speed.
But they are quite powerful and need a crew with some skill. Not the sort of boat you go out for the day or night with just about anybody on board, as you can with my boat.
Yes they are sold as a fast boat and from what I can see need no less than two to sail although the model I'm looking at is setup for one. ensignbrokers.com.au/ensign/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/northshore-38-yacht/118942/
Photos don't do her justice I was quite surprise when I first viewed her and of course the asking price is a bit high but they are negotiating down to what I think is good.
Wow!! I'll let my mate know, must of been all that oil comming out of the Exhaust or the owner's baby has arrived!
I learnt that awhile ago in fact I found it was better to start her off in the helm position teaching her how to come up on a mooring, tacking I would swap positions on a run but at the end of the day it was team work with me being the team but all was happy.
In a breeze my boat is a handful single handed, even 2 handed when the crew isn't experienced. The last person I want on the helm is an inexperienced sailor while I'm up forward or trying to put a reef in at the mast. The past weekend I had to untangle a horrid wrap when my helmsman released both heady sheets to "help" me sort out a problem.
In my view the skipper or a very competent helmsman needs to be on the helm when there is a risk things could go pear shaped.
An NS38 is way beyond me solo or nearly so. Short handed would mean leaving the sails furled and motoring like a stink boat.
^^^^I really appreciate what you are saying there John.
However, you are the master of the vessel and all others aboard are crew and crew does what it is told.
You as an ex pusser should especially appreciate this.
With a mixed crew aboard, I hate being on the helm. It is like a prison and everybody else is free to go around and bugger things up. My favourite helms position is the windward shrouds or the forestay from which I issue steering instructions by way of eye contact and hand signals to the slave on the helm.
The person on the helm, if they are inexperienced, gets a big fat from thinking he/she is the one in control of the vessel, while you are free to make sail adjustments, check the bilges, ensure the seasick person below does not spew on your upholstery, prepare food, serve drinks or even have a quickie with the hottie in the head.
Pick the most boring and pedantic of your crew members of the day and pose the question, "Would YOU like to steer the yacht and feel the power of the wind today?" Rarely will anybody say no. Issue him/her with specific instructions on steering, and then roam to advantage on your yacht. 
As an inexperienced couple we started with a Compass 28, then went up to a South Coast 36 and now we own a Oceaanic 46 (Jack Savage) this has been over a 10 year period. Always set the boats up to be handled by 2, and we are not youngsters anymore. We have sailed to Hobart and back, and up and down the east coast numerous times, always just 2 handed. Wife is so competent that she always helms back into a very difficult marina pen while I handle the lines, also if she hits something it's not my fault
It's not difficult with 2, you just have to have patience. My 2 cents worth.
Males use on an average 2000 words a day. Females 6000. Males can get by on less, but females have to use their 6000 words. Once you understand this its Ok.
On the theme of suitability of designs for short handed, any thoughts on suitability (or otherwise) of a Farr 1020 to set up for solo? Shape of the transom would make it more difficult to install a vane but not insurmountable (no pun intend).
I like the fractional rig, non IOR profile & ligher displacement, but I haven't heard of one set up for short handed.
