Masterclass with Pip Hare
HOW TO DEAL WITH GROUNDING
How to deal with a grounding
Though running aground is something most of us experience over the course of our sailing lives, the routines needed to get off the bottom are not ones we practice regularly. As with most sailing emergencies, the correct course of action to take will vary with every different scenario.
Immediate actions
In many cases, prompt action on the helm may sail you off the bottom in a matter of seconds. Make a quick assessment of where the deeper water is and what immediate actions your sail plan will allow you to take.
Use the right sails to make the tightest turn possible; if tacking off a bank, leave the jib backed to spin the bow quickly through the wind, if bearing away make sure the mainsheet and vang are fully eased so they don’t drive the bow back up to the wind.
Under spinnaker, if the deep water is to windward, sheet the spinnaker in hard and drop the pole forward rapidly; this will heel the boat, encouraging a rapid turn into the wind.
If a quick gybe is required but there is not the crew power to execute, then gybe the main and leave the spinnaker on the wrong side, it can then be dropped to windward into the jib on the foredeck. If on a lee shore and unable to turn the bow into the wind, drop all sail as quickly as possible to give yourself some thinking time. You can always hoist it again later.
If trying to turn the bow towards deeper water use the prop wash effect to turn in the shortest possible distance – put the helm hard over before applying the revs. If unable to turn the bow, try reversing off.
Especially in the case of hard groundings send someone below as soon as possible to check for damage around the keel root and keel bolts. Lift the floorboards and look for any cracks or water ingress. Keep checking at regular intervals.
Keep re-assessing
If a quick reaction wasn’t successful, pause and make a secondary assessment before putting together the next stage of your plan. Consider how grave your situation is. Are you on a lee shore? Is the tide going out? What are the weather conditions – are they forecast to change? What is the nature of the bottom?
Make a realistic assessment about whether you are in danger or outside help is required. In this situation contact rescue authorities at the earliest opportunity. Be pragmatic not proud.
Put out an anchor
Anchors can help in a number of ways but without a tender or outside assistance it’ll be difficult to set them properly. On a lee shore use one or two anchors to stop being blown further aground. Set them out into the deep water at the maximum distance possible, using more rode than would be required for normal anchoring. This will ensure maximum holding power and allow you to winch off if given the opportunity.
Survey around the boat using a lead and line, this can be done from the deck or from a tender. Note the nature of the bottom, try and feel for any rocks or lumps. Use a hand bearing compass to note the location of deeper water discovered by a tender. These can then be used to set anchors or guide you out once free.
Heel the boat
Reducing your boat’s draught is one of the most effective ways to get off, though this can be a lot more labour intensive than it sounds. If not lying dead downwind, try re-hoisting and sheeting in sails, ensuring if the boat does start moving they will turn you away from and not towards the shallower water.
For light displacement boats with full crews the boat can be heeled using people power. Send all weight to the max beam of the boat – some brave souls can climb onto the boom and swing over the side for maximum effect.
However, for a crew of two on a fully laden bluewater cruiser the job is harder. You will need to spend time and effort moving heavy items to the side deck which will take a while to have an impact.
If your tender is fitted with a hard floor and a lifting strop this can be loaded with a small amount of extra weight, hung from the end of the boom and swung out to maximum distance. If the boat is sitting very upright you may need to use a preventer line led forward to the bow to winch the boom and tender away from the centreline.
How useful your tender will be depends on its size and horsepower. Larger more solid tenders can help by pushing or pulling the bow or provide a tow. Smaller tenders are only really helpful for setting anchors. If attempting to tow, set up a bridle around the back of the outboard and ensure crew are wearing gloves and lifejackets.
Accepting help
Unless dealing with professional or rescue authorities ensure you stay in control of any help offered.
Well-meaning bystanders can offer horsepower and solutions but it is easy to lose control of a situation and end up with damage or in a worse position. Agree a radio channel to communicate on and be firm but polite about what you want them to do.