Got caught in rough weather... long island sound

Sailed across Long island sound yesterday, easy getting out there then the weather turned on the way back. The bouy data read 23kts of wind and the waves were probably around 4ft. We were on a broad reach and going scary fast! What kind speed do think we're capable of at that point of sail and wind speed?

Doeds anyone sail the sound? The last two times I sailed the waves were around 3-4ft but the period is terribly short and choppy, is the typical? I think I would be better in open ocean with rolling waves even if they're larger. Opinions?

Also we didn't lift a hull all day, Im 212lb and my crew is 185lb. I think it may have been because we were close hauled for half the day then on broad reach the other half. Good thing though cause I dont think it would have been possible to right in the choppy waves...

you don't say where in the sound you were at the time, but when the tide is in full flood or ebb, the current gets pretty strong, especially the further east you go. with wind against the current you'll get a nasty short chop.

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

We were straight out from New Haven, so just about in the center of the sound. The wind was coming from the east and the tide was in full ebb, so pretty much exactly what you describe for choppy water.

I still cant get over the hobie's speed in 23kts of wind....