Maytrix,

Wind speed it just one part of the very complex equation. That is why I recommend you look at the wind gauge last, if at all. Each boat, sail, angle, sea state, payload stacked on the boat is different. Load breaks things, not wind speed. Learn to feel what the tension is on the trims. One clear signal anyone will see when the loads go up slowing a catamaran down is the leeward hull or ama will push down into the water. You should see and feel the bow pushing down into the sea. You will see the water start to move into the scoop and up the steps.. Dragging the leeward hull is slow on a cat. The more you drag that giant charter cat hull, the greater the loads. Dragging the hull is slow. Get you head out of the boat. Note the leeward hull dragging, the load of trims. Easy something or everything a little bit and see if you feel the boat speed go up or down. Easy the traveler, easy everything to the point you know the boat has slowed. Begin trimming stuff back in until the speed no longer increases. Another way to look at it is. Never put more trim or load on the boat than you need to maintain the speed you want. Dragging a hull and trying to carry the whole ocean with will always create unnecessary loads and wear on the boat you do not want to go back to the dock to fix. Try to stop looking at the gauges and paying much more attention to the leeward hull. That hull will tell you far more sooner than any gauge. Focus on loads, not wind speed. LOADS = DANGER mono, cat, or dock. After a short period paying attention just your hand on the loaded side of the trim will give you an idea of load. Or at least a short crank on the winch should give you that same feedback.