Matt sailed Steeplechase, a two-day 110 mile (roughly) race around Key Largo either last year or the year before on a Blade. I don't think the boat is the problem. If the wind goes light, THAT's the problem.

I know there was one year the wind just plain shut off several hours into leg 1. I think we were about 15 miles from the finish and it was a long bob/paddle/sailing flyers to the finish. I know a lot of boats behind us quit and trailered to the finish, as most of the smaller boats (under 20 feet) were still north of Hens & Chickens (the H-16 was just south of Angelfish creek)

I think Mr. Green's general guidelines are designed to allow a group of boats with similar speed, DPN or sailing characteristics. This should keep the fleet relatively together (to allow for good fun) and not keep the race committee up all night waiting on the "slow" boats (like if a double-handed Dragoon or Wave entered)