Hi Brian, If you haven't run aground, you haven't gone anywhere. My wife used to give me the occasional hard time because we'd run aground again while sailing our old big boat (5 foot draft), as I tried to cut a corner, or wasn't paying attention to the state of the tide. Today, whenever I get my copy of "Messing About In Boats" that has Hugh Ware's information about what the "Big" boys are doing: container ships, tankers, tugs, barges, Naval vessels, ferries, etc. I always delight in showing the Admirable how many of the professionals also run aground. It takes skill, and my skill in doing so is every bit the equal of the professionals and their big ships. Enjoy the experience because it happens to us all. Just try to do it on a rising tide, not a falling tide. It's simpler getting off again, and the wait isn't as long. Connie