"Veridican" wrote in message

Obviously, I'm not going sailing in a storm or 40 knot winds. No body does
that, not in any boat. People sometimes get caught in that, but no one chooses
to go there just because they have a "strong" boat.

Would a Mac (even the new Mac) break a mast in 40 knot winds? No, not if the
sails were tied down like they should be on any boat in that condition.


I'll admit I don't leave the dock when its blowing 40, but I've been out a
number of times in 35+ and forged onward with double reefed sails. Our last
trip back from Cape Cod was in 35 konts; I remember a downwind trip from
Gloucestor to Boston with gusts measured at 42 knots; every year or so we'll
have a day predicted for 25 knots that comes in a bit heavier. There's no
reason why a proper boat shouldn't be able to handle 40 knots. Frankly, I enjoy
it as long as nothing breaks.