Strongest comfortable winds

What are the strongest winds that two people (total weight 135 kg) could comfortably sail in on a Hobie 16, with and without using the trapeze ?

How would this compare with the same people on a Hobie 14 ?

Holding the boat down with that weight and without depowering is a much easier question to answer, however, chop conditions and gusts effect this number also. Comfortable is a bit of a broad term and differs greatly with sailors. What is comfortable for some can be scary for others. You'll get a bunch of different answers, I can't wait

You'll be double trapped at 15 to 18 mph. That in itself is uncomfortable for some crews. Depends on your experience level. Most that have sailed the 16 for any length of time will tell you it's a fun boat up in to the low 20's mph.

Beyond that wind there aren't many boats that are comfortable, or if there are, they're quickly approaching the threshold of "Wow we're going fast...hope we don't crash!".

Flame on

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HCANA Class Member

I'v been out on a small lake in 35 knot winds when Tropical storm Ernesto made landfall in NC. It was a great ride. 8am, 3 of us on board, 2 to trap, 1 to drive. Of course we went swimming a few times, but that was the fun of it. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

In the end, it comes down to what you're comfortable with, and what you're capable of. I've been 13 miles offshore on the coast of GA, where there is nothing, in huge seas (7' breaking waves), heading north to Tybee Island. I try to push myself a little more each year, increasing the conditions in which I know I can handle the cat (any cat). This way, I always know that when s*#@ hits the fan, I've been in worse conditions, worse places, and I know that I can get myself back safely.
Of course I have safety gear, don't lecture me.

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Trey Brown
www.velocitysailing.com
2006 N20 1017
1998 H16 102698
www.sunjammers.com ftw!

[quote="Big Jib & the Uni's"]You'll be double trapped at 15 to 18 mph. That in itself is un[b]comfortable[/b] for some crews. [/quote]
Thank you for your replies.
I assume the Hobie 14 is fairly comparable, except that at 15 to 18 mph you'd be single trapped ? Would that be correct ?

My wife and I have sailed in 22 to 25 mph winds, (inland lake in Missouri) not trapeezing just hiking out. Our total weight however is about 300 pounds. We were in whitecaps and having a blast.
My wife is sometimes uncomfortable in these winds, (usually when we are trying to get off the ramp and away from the boat docks, when the wind is behind us or coming across the beam.), but once we are out she usually has no problem.
You will just have to try to sail in different winds and find your own comfort level. Just keep the main uncleated in high winds or gusts, and wear sailing gloves.
If you are getting to sail at this time of year I am Jealous!!!!!!!
John G.