Shore Approach

Not every shore is convenient for a ship to land on or near. Every island can have a number of shores and each may offer different access to a ship wishing to land.

Reef- a reef blocks easy approach to the shore. A ship could be wrecked on a reef if unnoticed.

Sand Bar- shore blocked by a sand bar.

Shallow Water- only a small craft can land on shore.

Very Shallow Water- even small craft will get stuck. Crew must draw near and then walk ashore.

Rocky Waters- Possibly impassible to large vessels and dangerous to small-craft

Rocky Beach- large rocks at waters edge are dangerous to vessels.

Quick Drop Off- Vessels can draw very near to shore but still need small craft if the sailors don't plan on swimming ashore. Anchoring here stormy conditions would be hazardous.

Wild Tides- a seemingly safe landing can be changed suddenly by the shifting tides. Rocks may signal this hazard.

River Mouth- a freshwater water channel feeds into the sea that is wide enough for a ship to enter.

Stream Mouth- a freshwater water channel feeds into the sea that is wide enough for a shallow keel or small-craft to enter.

Contrary Current- the currents are simply uncooperative it is difficult for a vessel to reach the shore. If a vessel pushes on it may find itself getting trapped on shore if it can beat the current.

Muddy Shore- can trap vessels, small-craft or crew if they are unwary.

Swampy Shore- swamps grow to the waters edge and may shelter hazards such as rocks and roots that could trap swimmers, small craft and ships.

Cove- a ship can draw in and anchor safely a short distance from the shoreline. Still need to swim or take a boat a-shore.

Deep Cove- a ship may make landing right next to the shore itself.

Docks- someone in the past has built some form of docks that make landing easy.

Light House- a light house or shore fires mark hazardous or easy approach to shore. Watch-out for wreckers.