7.8 is indeed heavy and probably considered a bullet proof cruising main. I had a 7.8 and dropped down to the current, which is probably a bit too heavy for racing under 12.
This winter season is a minimum of 30 weekends, 2 days a week and 3.5 hours a day. When I had Vee Jay 2 up north we added 15 weekends, 2 days a week, 4 hours. All I really care to do is a day sail spin run with enough crew to make it nice and relaxing.
Only reason I use north is that is what I did ... but Doyle seems also to be an option here which I will have to look at.
