Ive been in 30 plus winds and I dont think even a H16 could sail in that, not even reefed. I was on a monoslug with no sails and we were flying a hull with bare spar. 40 would be survival conditions, not sailable conditions for a small cat. Not that I dont believe you, just real skeptical that it was 40, probably felt like it though!
Dave:
Although this is a skiff, this is what it was like on the 16 in 40 mph winds. It was hang on for dear life. Granted I was 29 and in killer shape back then, but it was a hoot. We got knocked between the hull and tramp 6-8 times every weather leg from the waves. I was hanging with one cheek off the rear crossbar and crew damm near sitting in my lap downwind, sails ALL the way out.
