In article .com,
"Capri" wrote:

In another post here a new sailor asked about what to do when he runs
aground. He was smart enough not to ask what to do WHEN not IF he runs
aground. For even though you have the best charts and atre the most
diligent about watching where you are going you will eventually run
aground. MY first experience with it was on the ICW south of Cocoa and
Just North of the Pineda Causeway. Beautiful day. Wind out of the east
all sails pulling full, Main, jib and Mizzen, running down what I
thought was the middle of the channel making at least 6 knots, when all
of a sudden we hit a sand bar in about 2 feet of water. Maggie Mae drew
about 4.6. so all of a sudden we were hard aground heeled over on the
side. I made sure everyone was OK then proceeded to call Sea Tow,
Thank goodness we had a contract with them so it didn't cost anything
for them to take us off. I had let the boat wander just a few yards out
of the channel. All my fault. Never happened again. Well, execpt for
the night the anchor dragged when we were all asleep onboard.......but
thats another story. Anyone else have any good grounding tales?

I agree "when" is correct. My first time was in Cos Cob's harbor (CT),
in the middle of the channel waiting for the bridge to go up on my first
boat for the first sail. I was livid that I had to wait for the tide to
come up and hope I got lifted enough.

So, the first thing is to know the conditions which requires a chart and
clock. I knew the bottom was muck and the tide was low and coming in.
Two hours later, after fouling the air with unkind things about those
responsible for maintaining the Cos Cob markers and dredging, I returned
to the dock.

If one knows the tides cannot help (there are none or grounding was at
high), one has to call for help. If one is on rock (or if one has
grounded at speed), one has to use the time waiting to make sure there
is no damage to the hull (or if a sail boat to the joint between keel
and hull).

harlan

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To respond, obviously drop the "nospan"?