Hi T Bird.
In addition to Bill Robert's advice, one thing that I can recomend is putting reefing points in your mainsail. If it really windy, and a bit a handfull even on main alone, then reefing will dramaticly increase your wind range. I sail a little 15 ft cat and for $65 (Australian) I had reefing points installed 2 battens (1.4m) from the foot, including a bit of 3mm spectra to tie between the halyard ring and the shackle on the head of the main, 3 sail ties with the cleats and one S hook for the clew. It takes about 2 minutes to take in or out and could be more easily done on the water on a 19 ft cat than my 15 footer. Last weekend was blowing about 30 knots, and the cat racing was cancelled for safety reasons. It was just me sailing reefed and the sailboards. For some reason the boat points higher and goes faster sailing reefed in 25-30kts than it does on full main in 15-20kts.

Cheers

Simon