Luck and timing! Are you kidding? Sailing out thru surf like that takes skill and perserverance. Only a lake sailor could make a statement like that! I've had my 18 standing on its stearns in large surf more than once and never lost it. Been fully airborne in the first set. Its a total rush! This style of racing takes more skill and talent than circling bouys ever could! Plus the I20 can take it, built like a locomotive.