This has gotten some distance from the original intent, which was, simply, to find out whether Mike Maurice might have departed sooner if he had had a larger vessel, and how much larger. However, despite the fact that I have not yet had the favor of a response from Mike, I have found the opinions of others intriguing enough that I am moved to post once more. Just once more, I promise! Thanks to all who responded, and especially to Maurice and Louise-Ann Nunas, Willy (Invader), Ron Rogers and Tim Johnson. Have not each of us watched jealously as a larger yacht passed us by as if on rails, while we pitched and rolled, the wipers straining to keep the windows clear of spray? This is what I was writing about, not crossing bars in unsafe conditions or encountering huge ocean waves which can damage the largest ships. Anyone who has owned and/or sailed aboard various boats knows that there are differences in the sea-keeping abilities of vessels due to design, as well as size. For instance, passagemaking in the Eastern Caribbean, I have enjoyed excellent sailing aboard my Westsail 43 when my consorts, of similar size, were sagging off to leeward, wet and uncomfortable. For instance, I have seen Shamrock, a 120' J-boat, comfortably sailing along at 25 knots in weather I would not want to be out in, and I was once closely passed by "Turmoil," a 151' PJ motoryacht who looked as though she were standing still, when there were 60-knot gusts blowing water up through the drains in the PH window and Penny and I were using the handholds. Before someone suggests it, let me say that I do not contemplate owning a 120' boat, but you get the idea. Tim's reply in PUP Issue 13 was exactly the kind of info I was looking for; I'd still be pleased to receive more of the same if anyone is so inclined. Regards, John "Seahorse"