They say there are two types of sailors, (1) those that have run aground and (2) those that will one day run aground. I'm now in the former camp.
I discovered just how shallow the North Arm of the Port River (Port Adelaide) is on Saturday, unfortunately on a falling tide only 30cm below the high tide level. To make things worse, the next tide was a so-called "dodge tide", i.e., not a high tide at all. Port River mud is impressive in it's suction ability too. Full reverse was unable to to dislodge me, and by the time I tried to kedge off, it was too late.
So I spent a lovely night serenaded by Torrens Island Power Station waiting for the next high tide the following morning.
On a positive note, it was a great time to clean my hulls. And nothing damaged except my pride :-)
With a mono you can usually get off by heeling the boat etc. Cats no way. The old dodge tide, only two places in the world I think have dodge tides, SA gulfs and some place in Italy I think.
Came through Hastings Vic. a while ago, and was told by a local that just about every one in the marina had been stuck in the mud at some time.
the power line tower in the distance.... i climbed to the top of that when I was a wee lad! that part of the river is not so bad , but down near the st kilder channel and the gardern island yacht club is very tidal.
I was looking at buying a boat out of Garden Island and thinking at the time when looking at the water what a bitch of an area to get in and out of.
