From your description, it sounds like one of the finger lakes - Owasco?
The Bravo is a much simpler boat than a Laser or even a Sunfish. It's boomless, so you don't have to worry about cracking your head in a tack or jibe, plus you can pull on one line and the sail rolls up on the mast. It's a pretty cool feature.
The Bravo is probably not as fast as a Laser - especially when it's planing conditions. It has a completely different hull shape.
You should call Rob Jerry or Barb Caster at Boatworks in Syracuse. I'm sure they could set you up with a test sail. Hobie Fleet 204 is based in Syracuse - they are probably the most active bunch of Hobie sailors in the US. They are a great bunch to get hooked up with. They primarily sail Hobie 16's and Tigers, but they'd be willing to help.
As a matter of fact, I'm headed out the door right now to go sailing with them tomorrow on Canandaigua Lake. It'll only take me 6+ hours to get there.