I started sailing a year ago when my gf took me out for a week of cruising on a leaner. I immediately was taken with sailing and bought a used 16 on the cheap. Over the past year I've sailed it solo a lot at the same time as I was learning the basics of sailing. It's a bit of a handful to start with solo, but once you get to know the boat it's incredible fun. I've taken it out in up to 25-30 and never had a problem (I'm 200lbs). If you have good seamanship and speed doesn't panic you it's a great boat in heavy air. If you've taken a mono dingy to the limit I think you'll be fine on a 16 and find the boat's capabilities very rewarding.