Patina Rules--Running Aground

Patina Rule:  If you are not touching the helm when the boat runs aground, then it is not your fault that the boat ran aground.

So, the one time Gay was at the helm and the depth dropped below 6', Gay simply said "Your turn" grabbed Ken's hand and put it on the wheel;  then she walked away.  Luckily, Ken quickly moved the boat to the center of the channel so there was no one to blame since the boat did not hit the bottom.

If you have sailed a monohull much in Coastal Carolina waters, you probably have had your own close encounters with the bottom.  Patina draws 5'1".   The depths on Broad Creek, even in the marked channel can be close to 6'.  Move a little out of the channel and you will run aground.  We have actually hit the bottom more than once, but have always been lucky enough to be able to reverse direction and get out without using Tow Boat US.