Agreed. I approach sailing in rough conditions like so:

I try to determine a variability percentage in how much power the boat can take before problems develop. This number depends on wave state and the strength (not frequency) of the wind gusts and our skill level and physical condition on the boat. In very flat water and steady winds, that can be 1% variability. In heavy waves and/or really gusty conditions, that can be as much as 30% (like this past Steeplechase). Once I kinda get my head around that number, I then try to push the boat right up to it. So, if the waves are pretty good size and the wind is relatively steady, my variability might be 10% so I'm going to try and run with about 90% of my available speed. I could probably live at 95% for a while but eventually that variability is going to get me. When you get bow sizzle on a Nacra 20, you are usually inside that variability.

The trick is that the REALLY experienced guys (Kenny, JC, Lohemyer, etc.) have both the skill and the experience to get this variability number pretty high because they can identify a potentially capsizing condition quickly an react skillfully - they are also able to adjust that number after every wave (whether they know it or not).

Now do you see what light air distance racing days are good for?