SAILING GLOSSARY

To Run Aground

In navigation, to run aground means that a boat touches the bottom and becomes stuck, either intentionally or accidentally. This can happen when the water is too shallow, for example near a shoal or when the tide goes out. Some boats with a shallow draft can intentionally be grounded in suitable locations, particularly to carry out maintenance or wait for the tide. An unintentional grounding, however, can damage the hull, keel, or rudder, depending on the circumstances. If a boat runs aground, the situation should be assessed before attempting to get moving again, taking the tide, the bottom, and the surrounding conditions into account. When navigating, checking the depth before entering a passage can save you from turning an impromptu stop into a refloating operation!