I have to say I agree with Tracie on this one.
Maughan17, Have you ever sailed in 35+ knots? Not gusting to 35 but 35 true(gusts here on the Outer Banks were over 50 easy that day). I have done it numerous times even had a gust of 60+ kn(small waterspout/Worrell 2002)hit my I-20, sent me butt over teakettle, but I can honestly say I never pushed off into those conditions for fun. Each time was during a race(not that racings not fun) in which you didn't have much choice short of withdrawing from the entire event.With sponsors and a large finacial investment that's not much of a choice.
If you ever plan to go out in snot like that and consider the Coast Guard or an epirb as an OPTION ,you just shouldn't go out. Calling the Coast Guard is not like calling a cab.
Not to mention a 5.2 is a little small for that. Your pretty much guarateed a few good flips and the offshore direction makes that a probable suicide.
Tough on boat parts too.

Just something to think about,
Todd A. Hart
Team Cat Fever
p.s. For the waterproof radio, try putting it in a waterproof radio bag. I've had the same radio for 4 Worrell 1000s,1 Tybee 500, and a dozen and a half other distance races.




"I said, now, I said ,pay attention boy!"

The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea
Isak Dinesen
If a man is to be obsessed by something.... I suppose a boat is as good as anything... perhaps a bit better than most.
E. B. White