50 knots is a tough wind, but it is the sea state that really damages
boats & crew IMHO. Was the dismasted boat rolled?


Capt.Mooron wrote:
Apparently not a complete 360..... but it was trashed pretty good. The
thing is that the Bayfield 29 weathered it without a hitch and made good
way.


Well, it's a question of how the boat is equipped and handled as much as
it is the basic design... within limits, which those Beneteaus should
not have been exceeding in a 50 knot gale in open sea. At some point
along the way up the scale, things might start coming apart, but I've
sailed worse boats in 45+.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King