Push the Envelope a Little
I have had my H34 only 2 years now. When I first got her, and was sailing with a much more experienced friend from Boston to RI down Buzzards Bay in moderate air, I learned my first lesson: that I get nervous way before my boat will have any problem. At the same time, having the confidence to handle increasing winds and sea states takes time and is found only by sailing in same. So, I am always happy to sail in heavy air, and this year was going out in 35 plus in the late fall when everyone else was tucked in. Of course, in the coastal waters up here, you can often sail in this kind of wind off a lee shore, which is much less of a challenge, but we were out there plenty in SW winds, with big waves to boot.Only had one really scary time, when coming out of Wesport, you basically sail around a protected corner and straight into breakers - and we sailed right into a breaking 12 footer - kind of freaked me out, too tough to turn around (so we sailed like crazy all day and ended up put in to East Greenwhich RI - Oh well, had to take another day to sail her back the next day in light air and nice sunshine - what a bummer!)Despite getting a knock for being light, this boat does very well, just need to decrease the canvas, but she really does ok. I say: make sure your rig is in shape, get at least the minimum safety gear, and then sail in a little heavier air each time. It is fun and rewarding, and makes you a better sailor.When the wife and kids are aboard, that's a whole different story, and 15-20 knts w/4-6 is about it.