How windy is too windy

....suspect it's because over tight lowers with a floppy rig led to some mast breakages.

It was .... Story ...One individual 'forgot' to maintain his shrouds at a reasonable setting while having his lowers 'bar tight' .. result he broke an almost new carbon mast as he headedoff downwind in truly breezy conditons.  He was lent a brand new alloy M7 while the carbon mast damage was being investigated, repeated the settings within 2 weekends and snapped that one as well...   The M7 btw is a really tough one to break on the Blaze without inverting  it unless you are 'particularly skilled'.   There were other examples (no names here ...some of them surely read this stuff !!)

You don't need too many breakage episodes like this before a CA and fleet let alone the makers decide what is good sence for the overall good of the class !  If you don't allow lots of on the water rig adjustment boats end up with settings that work pretty well all round the course ... without beaking.   

Each class to their own of course and if it is allowed and you can afford it then you might sqeeze a very slim gain .. that is if you really know how to use it and don't break anything.  However your class insurer will get a bit peeved ... and either murder the fleet on premiums or for 'certain' individuals.  If the equipment is 'new' it is a bit much to expect to present such damage as a 'warranty' claim to the supplier as well.

If you are unable to learn how to set up your rig for the conditons ... try asking and attending events where your fleet is well represented.   Most are very helpful - if asked.  Because some newbie or other was incapable of getting to grips with a particular boat in the past does not mean the vast majority don't or can't.   They work at it and are open enough to learn rather than regularly blaming the class rules, equipment suppliers and so as they periodically flap around from one class to another looking for 'something that suits'  ....  

Just saying it like many do see it .. and just an opinion of course.

I am around Monday but prefer to sail in company.