"Bart" wrote in message
ps.com...
Sustained winds of 45 knots (52 mph) for over 30 minutes.
Peak winds were 49 knots (56 mph). 2 boats sank--many
bent masts, broken bits, and ruined sails.

An account from the 2006 Soling Worlds

snipped

Isn't it contingent upon the race committee to cancel a race when such
conditions are present? I've never raced Solings, but Snipes, Thistles,
Lightnings, Ensigns, Lasers, and MC Scows all have bylaws which give race
committees the option of canceling if conditions exist which could endanger
crew or severely damage equipment. I believe sinking qualifies as
severely-damaged equipment.

I realize people travel from all over the world to such events, but I'd tend
to believe life and limb are more important than inconveniencing a group of
sailors who've traveled long distances.

Max