The ratings will certify that the boat will survive the stated minimum conditions... as you pointed out, whether you, being aboard said boat, would be happy with the performance of said boat under same conditions will vary widely, depending on the boat.
However, the ocean generally doesn't play fair, and conditions can be far worse than the relatively meager thresholds that the EU RCD ratings have set.
That said, it really depends on the boat and the manufacturer. For instance, I know of one boat that is going to be getting an EU RCD category C rating in Europe.... but is probably more of a category B boat... It would probably be a Category A boat with a few modifications.
__________________
Sailingdog
Telstar 28
New England
You know what the first rule of sailing is? ...Love. You can learn all the math in the 'verse, but you take
a boat to the sea you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps
her going when she oughta fall down, tells you she's hurting 'fore she keens. Makes her a home.
—Cpt. Mal Reynolds, Serenity (edited)
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