Setting Limits for Keel Clearance and Heavy Weather

What is the highest sea state your vessel can safely encounter? The highest wind speed? What about minimum keel clearances? Many mariners would answer "it depends". Wrong answer. The time to establish parameters within which a vessel can operate is before the question arises. This is not to say you can't violate the limits you have set, but if you do so it should be firmly in your mind that you are sailing with less then your own set minimums. Another important point however is do not let wishful thinking interfere with sound decision making.