The engine fails as you leave a marina under sail. The exit channel has 15m of water, 20m width, and a 15-knot beam wind. Can you sail out and what is the technique?

A. Never sail out of a marina — always wait for the engine to be repaired

B. Radio for a tow immediately — sailing in a channel without an engine is illegal

C. Only attempt this if the wind is directly on the nose — beam wind makes sailing out impossible

D. Yes if the boat is manoeuvrable under sail in the available sea room. Technique: hoist mainsail at the pontoon (or motor to clear space first); sail on a reach through the exit; use controlled tacks if channel allows; advise the marina by VHF of your situation; have a crew member ready to anchor if sailing becomes untenable

A. Heaving to is only possible in winds above Force 5 — light winds do not allow the technique

B. Heaving to: backed foresail + sheeted main + lashed helm to leeward creates a nearly stationary vessel making minimal leeway. Used for: crew rest, eating hot food, waiting for a tidal gate, reefing in heavy weather, attending to a non-urgent emergency on board

C. Heaving to means stopping the engine and drifting — only used on motor vessels

D. Heaving to requires full sail — reducing sail while hove to defeats the purpose

A. Immediately motor forward at full power to push over the obstruction

B. Drop all sails and anchor in position — wait for the next high water

C. Note the time and check the tide table (is it rising or falling?); if rising — may float off shortly, hold position. If falling — assess: heel to reduce draught (all crew to one side); deploy kedge anchor using the dinghy to deep water; motor off in reverse if possible without damaging propeller; protect against further keeling with fenders/lines to a second anchor

D. Call the Coastguard for immediate assistance — grounding is always an emergency