I just crossed Lake Michigan in April with 20
knot winds coming in a close reach for about 5 hours after midnight. We had the full main and a 150
genoa up all day and reefed the genny to about 50% when the
wind topped 15 kts.
I have a
Cal 27 and she handled it all incredibly well. We were at
hull speed dragging our dingy and hitting 5-6 foot waves with an occasional 8 footer slipping in.
It was
pitch black, raining off and on and with fits of
fog every now and then. I would have been frightened, but I could feel the stiffness of the
boat as the wind rose. She heeled and stopped firmly.
We then took her our in 20+ knots with only the genny. She handled it fine as well. The waves were much larger then because the wind was coming from the Northeast.
The most important point to know is what direction is the wind coming from and what direction do you need to sail to. I would not have a problem with close or broad reach in those winds. But I don't think I would choose to slug it upwind in 20-30 knots. Sailing downwind can also be challenging if your
rudder has a tendency to come out of the
water at a crest. The waves will be passing you mostly, with an occasional surfing contest that will happen.
The other aspect is to know your
equipment and make sure it's set up properly beforehand. You don't want to have set up your reefing or fairleads in the middle of the channel.