as a kid I sailing in gusts of 80 knots under those conditions.. Unless the wind was blowing at a constant 35kt the race was started.. Not true today... Once a year a storm would come thru and peak gusts were up to 100 kts while we were on the water.. How do I know that these and greater gusts were recorded? My father was on the rescue committee directing the rescue boats and they recorded the winds on every day.. Then I was sailing an Aussie VJ with a good crew... (11.5 foot flat sharpie hull, two on trap/plank and total weight was 90 lb).. On a two sail shy my fleet (that was still upright) went past the rescue boat doing 25 knots as if it was still... Now how many kids ith red blood would answer to a race cancelled call even if the rescue boat could have told us..
As a kid I could right the VJ solo.. And sail it solo up till 15 knots...

However as Im old and slow... 35 knots would be my limit these days... Unless Im on a F16 comng back from Rotto and Phill is on the boat.. Then its Freo or bust...