Got our first heavy northerns blow in this weekend, winds came in at a steady 25-30 knots with gusts to 40knots. I felt bad because my boats is moored on the south side of the canals we live-on and so gets pushed against the mooring. I had plenty of cushion on the fenders, but still the boat rocks pretty violently. during one of the lulls I decided to jump in and motor to the boat ramp and take the boat out I was surprised at how well she took the wave action. I appreciated the picture of the M-15's following seas when she was heading to hawaii in the SCA interview this month. I thought I had it figured out the ramp is on the south shore and the wind was from the north, I figured I could just line her up and let the wind push me onto the trailer, I could use the outboard in reverse to slow me down. Well I didnt attach the rudder because it gets in the way, so I used the Motor for propolsion and steering. I got in a strategic position and put the motor in neutral, as soon as I did that I lost steering control and the boat started to turn, adrenaline starts to kick in, and I try to reverse only the shifter was in forward and I lurch sickeningly forward towards the submerged trailer, in my mind I saw me running over the trailer guides and damaging the hull . Luckily I wedged between the trailer and the dock. I was able to jump to the dock and pull a line on the stern to keep from being blown ashore. I got the boat out with out losing my glasses, my pager, or cell phone. I consider that a good departure. Gilbert 1974 M-17 #76