New Boat

Well Crossy, it depends on a number of things really, where are you going to be sailing??  My recommendations would be:

Phantom - Ultimate big man hiker, great open circuit, performs well on handicap, can be very forgiving.  Only drawback is the price really the demand far ouweighs the supply for that sort of money you would be looking for a GRP hull which are generally thought of as being heavy.  Although they are an excellent entry into this massively growing class.

Supernova - I dont really get, its kind of in between a phantom and a solo, doesnt perform particually well on handicap although you will get a decent boat for the money, and from what i understand there is a great friendly class association.

Laser 8.1 (rooster) - Well its a laser with a big rig, Cheap, up and coming no hassle sailing. (i have not sailed one yet though so cant comment)

Finn - Awesome olympic single hander, unfortunately very expensive and very few arround.

Blaze- my brother sails one and he is exactly the same hight and weight as you, he performs very well in a blow, and very light winds, although has yet to prove himelf in medium (f2 - f3 winds) I wasnt overly keen on it but to be honest its a great class.

Rs300- My favourite single hander (wish i hadnt sold mine) Awesome performance, although is probably the hardest hiking single hander to master.  A handfull when the wind pipes up, super residule values, great class.  With some of the best organised opens around.  Just be prepared to get very wet while you learn.

All of the above you should be able to pic up for under £3k (perhaps not a recent finn) 

Good luck and keep posting here about what you have bought, as we love reading about peoples purchases and developments within sailing.