Our main lake is completely open to the West, cliffs on the North and South side. When the West wind blows, the lake turns into soup. 3 footers on the beach in great frequency, 5+ footers out in the middle. Winds about 20-25mph gusting to 40.
I know guys that reef their Hobie 16 and go solo in it. They go out in it. Solo, I take my Nacra 5.2 with my square-top sail uni-rigged. Slices right through the chop and blows through the rollers. I don't care what boat you are on, it is going to be hairy. Going downwind will be very exciting.