December Gale :: 33-43 knots
Not recommended for you owners (but quite fun!), we took a TRIAK out on San Diego Bay in a gale this past December 2006 in winds that started at 30G36 at noon and ended at 35G46 around 4pm. It was a bit gnarly but the TRIAK handled it fine (we were the only sail boat on the Bay). It was quite amazing how well the hydrofoils worked providing huge lift in fast and rough conditions. The Bi-Pod mast top finally gave way on a beam/tight reach across the bay as the wind hit its max for the day. In retrospect, reaching in these conditions probably put too much load on the rig and running would have perhaps resulted in no damage. The Bi-Pod top giving way becomes a feature as the entire Bi-Pod Mast can be replaced and there is no damage done to the boat. Thanks to SDsailing.com for the photos and video.