Running Aground on a Falling Tide

[theonecalledtom]

Yesterday we were out sailing and right at the end I managed to do several stupid things at once that culminated in us running around, twice, on a falling tide.

We got off, mainly through luck really.

there-are-two-types-of-sailor

During this proceeding I learnt many things, but am left wondering what would have happened if we hadn't made it out. I think that we'd have been in < 1ft of water at low tide and possible high and dry, or as dry as you can get in sticky gloopy wet mud.

My biggest worry (other than getting free) was how to prevent the water from flooding the boat as it rose in the morning. Luckily we didn't have to deal with this but my approximate plan was to get the spinnaker pole wedged in the mud with items (not quite sure what) tied to the end in the mud for extra grip and somehow tied to the boat to hold it up.

Boat poles would have added to the mix, and I was considering jamming the inflatable under the side.

I have no idea if it would have worked and certainly the experience would have been pretty miserable.

Have people have first hand experiences of dealing with this situation that would help me be better prepared for it next time it happens?

Oh - my boat is 38ft and 19500lbs, roughly, with a full keel.