We left Wickford on Saturday after hearing the 10:30 NOAA forecast that called for 15-25 knots on Narragansett Bay. While walking the docks we heard rumblings about 40 knots, but NOAA couldn't be wrong could they? We had my wife, 10 year old daughter, a woman who sailed growing up and her 17 year old daughter who sailed in the Jr. Olympics. We went out under double reef and full jib just to be careful. After 10 minutes I thought about shaking out one reef, but decided to wait until we cleared Quonset point (good decision!) The wind picked up to 25 knots and off we went. Great sail up to and through Mt. Hope Bridge. We were half way to Battleship cove when the wind kicked up to 30 knots and we reefed the jib, a little further up we had gusts to 35 and down came the jib. Now under only a double reefed main had a great sail to the battleship, turned around and headed back. The wind was a constant 30-35knots and we were at 7.5 knot having the time of our lives (everyone had their PFD's on by now, captains rules). Once we were back under the Mt. Hope Bridge and on our way home the guests picked up even more, 40, 45 and a few 50+. The boat handled great, on a beam reach she was flying. Then a monster guest of 62 knots hit and tried to round us up and dig in the bow. Lots of weather helm to fight through but we managed to regain control in a mater of a few seconds (seemed a lot longer). From there we made the turn home and ended up motoring the last hour rather beat to wind under a double reef main only. My wife and the 17 year old girl strapped on the harnesses to lower the sail. The 17 year old loved it (she wants to go to the Coast Guard Academy, for someone her age she has so much poise) Got in, had dinner and went to sleep at 8:30. All the people on the "Blue Water" boats were still at the dock. What a day. (Can't wait to do it again) Russell