Sailboat Ran Aground at White Rock Pier

Описание: After a regatta a skipper unfamiliar with the very narrow channel at the White Rock Pier in BC went too wide and ran aground with 5 people on board.

No one was injured, and the sailboat wasn't damaged, but it was an ebb tide, which meant the water lever was dropping and would strand the boat even further as the tide went out.

The challenge was to free the sailboat from the sand ledge as soon as possible before it rolled on its side and took on water.

The LYMC.ca - Lower Mainland Yacht Club moors their fleet at this pier and a number of its members and experienced sailors were on hand working to tow the grounded sailboat free. Some of them had raced in the regatta that day.

Easy fixes were tried first, like rocking the grounded sailboat and pulling it by hand with lines from the dock, but the keel was wedged in the sand too tight.

A second plan to use a catamaran called "BAD KITTY" and to use a winch on "Lightcure" were quickly put in place.

Bad Kitty attached a tow line to the halyard of the grounded sailboat with the intent of pulling the top of the mast over freeing the keel from the sand, while simultaneously a line was attached to the starboard winch of Lightcure that would pull the bow of the grounded boat forward.

While the grounded sailboat was being towed from both points, it gunned its engine to assist in being freed.

It was an interesting exercise demonstrating why speed and teamwork are critical in rescue operations.

This is a good example for training purposes, but keep in mind all situations are different and this might not be the right or safe solution for you.

Video shot and produced by Area46 Media Communications

http:// www.Area46.com