This is what we do in So cal in the Rain - lets practice for Racing
We have to wait for the rain to have big wind, and even then we only 12-14 knots

Skipper Randy ( in yellow) practicing to sail Electre with Skipper Mark (in red) owner of Electre.
Electre is a Beneteau 45F5. Randy will be the skipper if "Gitana" in the Heineken Regatta, March 2006 St. Martin. Gitana is a Beneteau 423. Currently in Charter at BVI Yacht Charters.

Actually Racing the Heineken Regatta
Heading out the Bridge @ Simpson Baay