I have to admit I never “dreamed” of owning a boat under 30 ft. If you want “performance”, which I expect means speed, in the small size range, then you probably should look at a planing-hull type, which are typically one-design racing models with a “Clorox bottle” interior. Maybe something like a B25. “Cruiser-racer” is a mythical creature, like Big Foot, I’ve decided. The displacement-hull cruisers are going to be constrained by hull-speed, a function of water-line length, and their weight. But if you’re satisfied with a cruising yacht under 30 ft that might do well in PHRF racing, and that is your “performance” criterion, then there is the Newport 28, if you can find one. However, I happen to know where you might get one here in Long Beach, but then you must move it to where you wish to sail, etc.