We don't usually get as big wind and waves that you guys get over in Europe, because most of the US, certainly Florida, is south of where you are, about the latitude of Spain-North Africa area. We don't see those conditions on a regular basis, especially in the -light air- summers. We aren't good about getting them ready for abuse, like you guys do. Only the Worell (by that I mean Tybee 500) guys beef up their boats enough for the open ocean, and check them over every day.

Remember, the Tradewinds is held in Florida and a lot of Northern boats come down, boats that have been sitting on trailers for months, not being inspected, and not having hardware replaced.

I think Karls was a brand new boat...? Or was it from the GC? The GC had similar winds, but not the waves, it was probably checked over there after the racing if it was a GC boat. But even that event was 2 months ago.