Great question.
I sail solo most of the time and always worry about being in a bad situation. I try to limit that by staying closer in. I like that point above, "when your heart is in your throat..."

I've had several days at Ventura Harbor where the wind was 15-20+ and huge steep chop marking the channel entrance. Got out there and nearly got launched just sitting on the boat! Scared the heck out of me, for sure! Tried a few tacks out for a 2-3 minute blast then would return on a screaming run to the safety of the inside. I would do that for a while just to get the experience but felt way better when I decided to play inside the flat water!!

Sheldon