The A-class and Tornado class cancel racing at 22 knots because they know that is the safe limit for the boat and the sailors. That's the reality of these boats and the wisdom of the sailors in the class.
I totally disagree with this statement! I have done some high wind sailing at a club in Montreal and this club was equipped with a weather station from Environment Canada. I know that I sailed in 20-25 knots winds on many occasions with a Prindle16. I also sailed at lake Champlain and at that time we had web access to a US weather station (nacra 5.7 singlehandled in 22 knots with 27knots gusts)
It seems to me that " ... because they know that is the safe limit ..." is a bold statement. Most likely is that these racing boats are very expensive and there is a real risk of an accident rounding a mark or at close racing. I know that it was the case at the last F18 race that I sowed up to (as a spectator) Peoples were concerned about collision damage and the chop.
Contrarily to the “wisdom” of your class, 22 knots is not a wind limit, Cat sailing doesn't become "unsafe" at that wind speed. I had very nice sailing performed at 25knots with many cats and I am certain that my 5.2 will handle strong winds with ease.
By purchasing an A-cat, you gave committed yourself to own a very light boat. The low and medium wind performances of these boats is remarkable but at the cost of a more fragile boat and more susceptible to collision and puncture. Also, these boat are much more difficult (and expensive) to repair.
About the “Expert Sailors incident”:
Personally, I would not have gone sailing in strong weather with offshore winds, eighter with my cat or with my sailboard.
Personally, I will not condemn these sailors for their action.
Also, if their rescue by the US Coast Guards was assimilated as an improper use of funds and equipment, then all pleasure craft originated rescue should be treated the same way.
