In good winds and double trapped we typically log 14-16knots max on the GPS upwind. Downwind we typically max out at 25knots or thereabout. This is on a Tornado with almost 200Kg on trapeze. During gybes and tacks the readings are sometimes far above the typical values of that day. I suppose all the movement of the crew carrying the GPS unit confuses it (didn't we just have this discussion, two or three months ago?).

Perhaps the M-20 and other beachcats can reach 30knots for some seconds. Perhaps even the Tornado has done it, but not for any significant time or distance. I think the drag and stability limits will be reached before you go that fast. I think "GPS- verified 30 knots" is just a sales pitch, but the GPS has probably logged 30knots for them at some time. If we got to see the log and normalized the data, I think it would show a max speed around 25knots downwind like the rest.

To get back on track, I think the F-18 is almost as fast as the Tornado in a breeze, and faster in some conditions, so I expect the upwind speed to max out at 12-16 knots and downwind around 25knots. Crew quality really makes the difference.