I guess there is a big difference between what an ocean sailor will try and what a lake sailor thinks should be attempted. We rarely raise the sails unless a small craft advisory is in effect. The bigger the seas the better the airtime. Almost all the lake sailing I've done has been in less than 15kts sustained, most races under 10kts. US inland average is like 8kts. I like the challenge of big air and seas, I also like dropping 15ft on a mt. bike so I might not be right. I think it is a personal decision to go out on that type of day. I would also feel that as friends of Dan's this was not the first time they had gone out in those conditions. I say you only live once, if you think you've got it go for it. I have no children and plenty of life insurance to protect my wife. If I CHOOSE to risk my life then so be it.