202 seamanship secrets
Grounding. If you ground, attempt to turn away from the shoal. If unsuc-
cessful, slack the main and headsail sheets, drop the sails (the skipper is already
at the mast), and assess whether to put out your anchor. Decide whether to
use the sails or your engine to get off the shoal. Shift weight forward and to
the low side of the boat in order to heel the boat and decrease its draft.
When you’re comfortable, let the crew practice what they’ve learned in
the real world. There are few sailing skills as satisfying as the ability to short
tack through a narrow, winding channel under complete control.