RUNNING AGROUND AND TOWING


RUNNING AGROUND Running aground happens to almost every sailor at some time. If you run aground on a soft, muddy bottom with a rising tide, you’ll float off easily with no damage to the boat.


l Running Aground - Use sails and crew weight to heel sailboat.


l Single Line Tow - Explain how to accept a single-line tow.


l Seamanship - Be conscious of hazards in your sailing area and restricted zones.


If you get stuck, use the sails and crew weight to heel the sailboat. You may have to get some crew members to sit on the boom and slowly swing it out over the side to tilt the sailboat enough to raise the keel off the bottom.


NOTE: You will need to support the end of the boom with a topping lift or spare halyard.


ACCEPTING A TOW You may need to accept a tow from a powerboat due to lack of wind, equipment failure, weather, excessive current, etc. Sailboats may be towed either “astern” or “alongside”. Towing procedures vary by type of boat and conditions. You should agree on the towing plan with the person towing you ahead of time (perhaps by VHF or phone), including expectations about compensation.


The basic procedures


for towing are as follows: EEnsure all of your crew are in life jackets and briefed on the plan.


EFurl or lower the jib. ESecure one end of a long line to the sailboat; a cleat hitch


to a strong bow cleat or a round turn and two half hitches around the mast (unless it is ‘deck-stepped’).


EFeed the rest of line forward, clear of all obstuctions then aft outside the shrouds to the cockpit so that it is ready to give to the towing boat.


EWhen close enough, heave the line to the towboat. ELower and secure your mainsail as needed. EEnsure everyone is seated in the cockpit before the line comes tight!


ERemain at the helm of your sailboat, steering towards the stern of the towboat.


EDon’t let anyone stand next to or in line with the tow line, in case it breaks and snaps back.


EYou may need to quickly release your towline. Table of Contents 104


SKILL EVALUATION


Chapter 8 | Health, Safety, and Emergencies


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