You cant beat the 17 for making the crew feel secure.
I just stopped sailing cats last year, and during my last season my new (non-boating) wife came down to watch and was invited out on the rescue boat. A storm blew out of nowhere and we had about an hour of 35 knots, which made for a very busy rescue boat. The boat driver frightened her so badly that I cant get her onto any motor boat smaller than about 50 foot.
I bought the WR17 last year and now she comes out with me anytime, last time 25 knots with jib furled and main reefed she just sat snug as a bug behind her windshield laughing about the spray.
I do rescue boat duties about once a month at local yacht club in a decent sized tinnie with centre console and seat cushions and she won't come out with me, stays home gardening.
Love that WR17.