Beach

Running a vessel deliberately onto the shore or a drying area.

This may be done with suitable craft for landing, inspection, emergency action or taking the ground in a planned location. The surface, gradient, tide, wave action and hull shape all matter. A falling tide can leave the vessel unsupported or exposed to damage if the ground is uneven. Before doing this, the skipper should consider how the vessel will lie, how it will refloat, and whether the crew can get ashore safely.