It's not the actual speed of the wind as much is it's how used to it you are, or the the frequency that the winds hit you.

When we departed to go cruising full time in 04, we were in what seemed to be big winds and big seas not far out. The next time they didn't feel nearly as bad. Each time we weathered a storm or seas bigger than we had seen, the next time they were not as bad.

As was pointed out, the actual winds that hit the East coast we not much compared to what hits northern Calif, Oregon, or Washington coast, but they are just more used to it. In my old marina in the San Francisco Bay Area, I routinely got readings (during part of the year) in the 40 to 60 knot speed, cross dock! But we knew they were coming and we were prepared, physically AND mentally for them.

I feel bad for those who were there, I am NOT belittling the effort or fear. I would have been the same!

Greg