Today at our local Cat club Kurnell we raced in 18 to 20 knot gusty southerly winds sustained with a 20 minute squall averaging 24 knots and gusting to 31... all ofically recorded.

Result was a Tornado and Nacra 5.8 with broken masts, Taipan 4.9 crew gashed from top of forehead to mid cheak and over the eye (requiring stitches) after cartwheeling and hiting a side stay, plus many swims.

I was on the rescue boat and we cancled the racing during the squall, towing home 2 boats while the taipan crew was rushed to hospital.

Whilst the wind was fresh it was just still sailable but all skippers were happy to return to shore. And before I here any more about I am experienced in 30 knots, Id like to say that our club is made up of many State, National and World champions whome all love a blow. Talk to the real experts as to what is good crazy fun and what is just crazy.

How many sailors (and I have fallen into this catagory before) sailed in 20 to 25 knots and told everybody that she was blowing 30 to 35. As sailors we all tend to exaggerate. We are the worst, second only to fisherman.

I love to push the limits and have grown a reputation for it at our club. But when I do it I will do it either close to shore, in an on shore breeze or with a support boat accompanying me. Our local Coast Guard are based next door to our club house but I'd never rely on them for rescue. They have better things to do than come to the rescue of some stupid sailor that deliberatly puts himself into a potentualy dangerous situation.

These are just my opinions but I am sure that they would be shared by the CG.