I've sailed my boat plenty in upwards of 30 knots. There are plenty of races in Texas and Florida sailed in a lot more than 15 kts of breeze. Try 25 kts of TWS for 3 days in a row blast reaching up the coast in the Florida 300 (half the fleet is F18's). So I have no idea where that statement is coming from Mike, perhaps its a half truth perpetuated on to become a full truth? Or perhaps you're thinking of another boat that isn't quite 18' long with a carbon mast?