Bill Lee winning the first ever Single Handed race around the Farallon Islands in 1977 sailing his brand new Merlin. He sailed the 26 mile one tack beat from the Golden Gate in 3 hours then the return reach in 2 hours.
Was it blowing? Yes. How hard? Bill didn't get a chance to check the instruments.
This photo was taken right after the jibe around the island by an unknown photographer.
This was really a FAST IS FUN situation.