Was just trawling the net looking at speed sailing records, and came across this one: http://www.windjet.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=50
From the article:
quote: In 1938 Buckstaff reached 143 mph (230 km/h), reportedly in a 72 mph (63 knot or 116 km/h) wind.
Yes, that's 63 knots of wind. With something approaching 35 square metres of sail. Gott in himmel, that takes big brass cajones!!!