Last year I went out with my brother-in-law, Warren, and my 6-year-old son in what felt to be around 80 knots of wind (true wind speed was 18 knots/gusting to 23 knots according to SailFlow.com). We were in a pretty well protected area but there were still some serious white caps breaking. Testosterone levels were screaming as we stood on the beach deciding whether or not to go. Neither of us was willing to chicken out and if we got into trouble, we would blow ashore in any direction within 15 minutes. We took off in the onshore breeze and I immediately told Warren to come in off the wire. It was insane! We were getting our butts kicked left and right. When the jib tack blew out, we decided to call it a day. The entire trip lasted about 10 minutes. Once back on shore, it turned out that, luckily, the shackle was not properly secured so my jib was still in one piece. Warren was the one who rigged the jib so I can only guess that was his secret way of making sure it was a short trip (just kidding). Anyone who can sail in 20 knots and higher on a bigger boat is a darn good sailor. We did keep it upright, but it wasn't fun at all. I've stood on the shore in 30-35 knots and it is just unimaginable that anyone could sail in that on a beachcat. No damage, no injuries... we were very lucky. I won't do it again... soon.

-Rob V.
Panama City
Nacra 5.2