Maugan17,

Why don't you contact Performance and Hobie directly and ask them the maximum wind conditions the rigs on boats like the H-20, I-20, Nacras, and F-18 boats (not the platform) are designed for. I'm sure they will tell you the optimum conditions are 10-15 knots and to stay off the water in anything over 22-25 knots. The Tornado and A-Class have wind maximums of 22 knots for racing because people and boats get damaged in higher winds.

Your car analogy is not a good one because without speed limits, idiots that have no business driving fast would be killing themselves and others. The comparison a previous poster used that cat sailors who push the limits in their boats are like Neil Armstrong or Chuck Yeager is also ridiculous. Beach cats are pleasure craft, not military or scientific vehicles. No redeeming social value is going to come out of someone making a poor decision that puts himself and others in danger or potentially makes his wife and kids a widow or orphans so he can satisfy his "need for speed".

If you must sail in +30 knot winds, either get a sailboard or build a high wind rig for your beach cat that is sized for the conditions. Doesn't it make sense that as the wind comes up, the sailboard and kite guys go faster and faster with smaller sails?????

Sail safe, sail smart.

Bob Hodges
A-Class USA 147