Hi Gang, A boat can exceed hull speed if the current is moving rapidly in approximate same direction as your heading. Plus there have been times when the knotmeter takes a big jump sailing downwind and surfing down a wave. I will reduce sail if my M-boat continues to heel 30 degrees or more. I have seen 45 degrees on the M23 for very brief periods. Dick Lane tells a story of when he owned my M23, he encountered a brief wind sheer which laid the boat over so the spreaders touched the water. I believe he was sailing with his nephew aboard. It happened so suddenly that he had no time to release sheets. Neither person went into the water, and the the boat righted itself immediately. The whole situation was over in around 15 seconds. I'll pass on that experience, thank you very much. Later, Bones