Captbillc,
Yeah I agree, My only excuse is that I was young (20) and stupid and wanted to go offshore so bad any old thing would do.
But seriously, The big ports were a worry and before we went offshore the owner fixed clear 1/4 inch lexan covers for added protection.
But when you know that a square of water about the size of a stove weighs 2 tons (or something like that) and you have big mountains of water churning all around you ..well...praying helps too..
I have a cape dory now and so I don't worry anymore
(Spartan bronze rocks).