Ultimately it is up to each individual skipper (and crew) when it's time to pull the plug. For the most part, we are all amateurs. There gets to be a point with wind strength were the day becomes less about racing and more about survival. When the conditions get to that point, it's time to head to the beach for a cold one. That point will be different for teams of different skill levels. Keeping yourself, your crew, and your equipment intact should trump a decision by the PRO. No pickle dish is worth the cost of injury or extensive damage incurred sailing in conditions beyond your ability.