I'm not going out solo on my boat above 18. These days I'd rather crew in the bigger winds. I have had some of the best times of my life crewing on Hobie 16's when it was over 20. But we also stayed near shore: Block Island Sail '03, winds 20 to 25,blowing nearly onshore,seas 3-6'; Island Hop '?, crewed with our now commodore Sean Esten, similar winds,and some wild seas in places. I don't know how he kept us upright! One other factor you guys haven't mentioned, but which I discovered on this years Island Hop is really important. A good nights sleep the night before. You yutes may be able to go without. Lord knows I did when I was younger. But I'm not even taking my boat out with less than 7 hours of sleep from now on.