We kept the boat in until the end of November (rather than the middle of October) hoping to enjoy some late fall sailing. Between poor weather (lots of gale warnings) and kids activities we only used it once during that time so last Sunday we dared to try one last time. Forecast was for 20-25 knots so we went out under double reefed main and no jib. Left Wickford and sailed under the Jamestown Bridge, up into Dutch Harbor, and then the wind and waves increased to 4' and 30 knots. Decided to head back rather than continue down to Beavertail. Within another 10 minutes the wind increased to 35 knots and the waves were getting worse. Now understand we are in Rhode Island during the end of November, the air temp is in the low 40's and the water was cold. We managed to get back near Wickford OK, when it was time to lower our sails some old time sailors on board wondered if we had any harnesses to strap in the deck hands. First time in 4 years we've used them, glad I had them. Got back into the harbor and docked near the travel lift per the yard manager’s instructions. As I was docking the boat in a 25 knot cross wind it seemed as though we lost the porp. It took a few minutes before anyone realized we had run aground! After much pulling and increased RPM's we plowed through the silt into the slip. I guess we are now experienced sailors; we sailed comfortable in 35 knots and ran aground! Russell S/V Allie Kat