PTP makes a good point regarding the stresses on the forestay. This in turn can load up the bridle pulling the bows together. I sailed an old H16 once and had the port bow collapse due to the strain that the old delaminated fiberglass couldn't handle. When I had a P19 I had taken out two 200lb+ guys in the wire with me sitting and steering. It was blowing in the high teens. Nothing broke but the excess helm and sluggish response didn't feel right.