I weigh about 160 lbs and have been avoiding windy days because I do not want to be overpowered. I have recently started sailing my Laser again after a long break and it is great. I have been avoiding days with more than about 10 knots, but I am debating whether I am being overly cautious.
I know that I am light for the full rig Laser, but that is what I own and the wind where I sail is generally light. However there are very windy days as well and it would be fun to blast around on the windy days, high teens to low twenties, but I do not want to get hurt or stranded by being so overpowered that I cannot control the boat.
In the past I was frostbiting and a squall came through with 50 knots winds. I pitch poled and was thrown off of the boat several times while trying to get back to shore. I know 50 knots is not 20 knots, but too much wind is too much wind. I was also 50 lbs heavier and 25 years younger.
Thoughts?
I know that I am light for the full rig Laser, but that is what I own and the wind where I sail is generally light. However there are very windy days as well and it would be fun to blast around on the windy days, high teens to low twenties, but I do not want to get hurt or stranded by being so overpowered that I cannot control the boat.
In the past I was frostbiting and a squall came through with 50 knots winds. I pitch poled and was thrown off of the boat several times while trying to get back to shore. I know 50 knots is not 20 knots, but too much wind is too much wind. I was also 50 lbs heavier and 25 years younger.
Thoughts?