
I had a similar experience first time out in Tyro. We'd sailed downwind from the Itchen as far as Hamble Point. I then failed several times to start the engine (turned out the starter motor was faulty) including by cranking, while my complete beginner other half kept a lookout - I'd hove to. No luck so we headed for home, now on a beat of course. (She sailed beautifully with two reefs and half the jib btw). There was no chance at all of getting into my berth so I had to sail onto a hammerhead - good job she handles well!
And when it was shallow, I cut a pair of tramlines in the mud with my keels!
We live and learn.