No disrespect intended, but the Beafuort Scale is something I think all sailors should familiarize themselves with. [censored] breaks all the time. If you need to know what the wind speeds are nature's context clues are all you need to define the range. But honestly, if the wind speeds are increasing you can feather both mono and cats to reduce pressure until the gust passes and you can reef. Just turn slightly to weather until you start seeing a bubble in the main/jib and feel the boat depower naturally. I also always tell anyone on board that while flogging sails sound violent, it is by far the best way to keep the boat and people safe, then reef as needed.