Run aground
The situation
Near a shallow shore a sailor runs aground and is stuck fast; another boat is bearing down on her.
The question
What do the rules say about a boat that has run aground?
The ruling
A boat that is aground (or anchored, or capsized) is covered by rule 22: if possible, other boats must avoid her. She can't keep clear, so the approaching boat steers around her, and the aground boat isn't penalised for being in the way. She may use her hands or push off the bottom to get free without breaking the propulsion rule, and she may anchor. As always — safety first, and help anyone in danger (rule 1.1).
Avoid a boat that's aground or anchored if you possibly can (rule 22) — she can't get out of your way.
Opens the situation on the boat-length grid — scrub it and see exactly how the boats meet. Free, no account needed.
Rules cited
- Rule 22 — Capsized, Anchored or Aground
- Rule 1.1 — Helping Those in Danger
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