How windy is too windy

There was another instance of this from the same race team at another event, one I wasn't included in but heard a lot of complaining and confusion about the decision.

Now in my honest opinion 20 knot forecast with no shore dump or other hazards doesn't constitute dangerous unless there isn't adequate safety cover from the host club. Which if this was the case then why is this club hosting a serious event that they can't staff properly.

Are PRO's ruining perfectly good sailing on the off chance they could be liable over any instances occuring regardless if safety cover was adequate? If so surely the competitors are the ones who vote with their feet when they go onto the water and accept the consequences of their own actions

If we had 20 knots on a normal club Sunday off the beach I would think twice about going out as there isn't really anything to gain and we all have to work the next day. The fact that we've paid and done a lot of travelling to be there and getting onto the water is no issue it should be a no brainier to run or at least get boats to the starting area to assess the conditions.

Is this something that will only get worse? With less and less people travelling to events who would risk the 10+ hours spent prep work to get to and from the event for what could be no sailing at all because the forecast says it might be windy 

There are some really interesting points here. To take them in order:

1). Good question. Do we just keep on assuming that clubs will always have enough trained and experienced PRO's, Safety Crews, and support personnel to run an event ?    I've ran many events for my club over a long period of time, but recently I've decided to no longer do this as I no longer have confidence in the ability of my club to provide (volunteer) crews of an appropriate standard and I refuse to be associated with a substandard and/or unsafe event. Lots of reasons why the club has got to this and I suspect we're not alone, but basically I think newbs want to come into the sport and play when they feel like it and doing duties doesn't map onto modern life. Which is fine, but it sort of means the resourcing model we've had at most of our clubs is dying on its feet. 

2). Health and safety might get a bad press by some on this forum, but the legal reality that many clubs/race committees/general committees have had explained to then is that a club cannot pass all risk/liability etc back to competitors just by stating that competitors sail at their own risk.  If anyone doesn't believe this then speak to RYA legal, they are very clear on this matter.

3). Yes.  

A couple of points.

As well as a duty of care to children, there is a duty of care to beginners. How far up the experience ladder this extends might be debated.

Also, people are paying their subs and entry fees to get fair racing.

Is it fair to the bulk of the members if series can only be won by people who are willing to go out and break their boats in a gale?

I would say what you need is a clear policy which fits in with the ethos of the club or class. Then people can opt to join a club or class which suits them.

A lot of classes have guidance in their rules regarding wind strength.

The issue cuts both ways. Look at the numbers of certain classes entering but not racing in the big PY races.