Hi Peter, Safety: This really has nothing to do with the size of your boat, assuming that it is a seaworthy boat like the Montgomerys are, but it has everything to do with the amount of sailing experience you have amassed over time. In other words, have you accumulated enough sea miles so that you feel comfortable being out in whatever conditions Poseidon throws at you? Let me give you my first example: an ocean going; very safe 30-footer that has been around the world several times sailed by various owners. If you give a rank sailing beginner such a boat, who has had very little sailing experience; doesn't know how to reef a sail; doesn't know what precautions to take if the weather deteriorates; can't "read" the weather, or the changing wind speed, and who hasn't a clue of what they should do next, can't navigate; doesn't know how to use a marine radio; they are a disaster looking for a place to happen. If the weather deteriorates; or the fog rolls in; or a front passes through and things get rough; they haven't a clue about what they should be doing for their own safety or for the boat's safety. The other end of the scale is the experienced seaman - Captain Bligh set adrift in an open long boat with 18 crew members in the Pacific ocean by the mutineers. Captain Bligh sailed the open long boat across the Pacific to Indonesia, and landed there safely. Sailors sailing very small boats have successfully crossed the Atlantic and a M15 sailed from San Diego to Hawaii. Sailing on inland lakes can be far more dangerous sailing than being out on the open ocean Lakes can be subject to sudden extreme gusts blowing out of a valley. One minute it's a flat calm and a minute later its batten down the hatches; the lee rail is underwater, and your boat is vastly over canvased.... Out on the ocean you may have a front coming through but you - with nautical experience - can see its coming far off in the distance and start by reefing and putting on oilskins and boots; putting in the hatch boards and closing the companionway hatch. You also are listening to NOAA weather radio; other radio traffic in the greater area gathering information so that you, as Captain, can decide what to do next. You may head for a harbor a mile or two distant; or if out on open waters you prepare the boat for rough conditions; make sure that everything is stowed properly down below; put on safety harnesses; check that all sea cocks are closed and the toilet bowl is empty; prepare some hot coffee in a Thermos bottle if your destination is several hours away. Lots of sailing experience is the big difference between what for you is reasonable and normal, or what would be sheer terror for a newbie. There is an old statement: it is better to be standing on the dock wishing you were out sailing, then to be out sailing wishing your were standing on a dock. Your lack of sailing experience keeps you on the dock. Previous sailing experience under varied weather conditions tells you it will be rough out there, but let's go..... we have a schedule we want to meet. The more you expand your sailing knowledge the better, and safer sailor you will become. Happy sailing Connie