I paid $1500 for an older wooden A. You can soon convert the rudders to kick up with fibreglass rod and a bit of ali tube if you want. The wooden A will have an ali mast that is not as stiff as a new carbon one but can take more abuse, the wooden hulls can take a beating and if your off the beach like me just add some epoxy whereever the hulls wear. There are plenty of good second hand sails and masts around if you want to upgrade no matter what country your in. You can easily handle it, right it, sail it and repair it on your own. It can go really fast or slow if you want, I found it a brilliant learning boat as it only has one sail and instantly tells you wether you've pulled the right string by going faster or slower. If you want to race at club level you will be competative against other boats and have a lot of fun.
regards