Hello,

I use a Tennis Ball, attached to a strong, but light Line.
When a sailboat gets stuck on mud, or the opposite bank of a lake.

Lay the Line, which is attached to the ball, on the ground, in loops so it will follow the ball when it is thrown.
Throw the ball AT the boat, aim for the Sails.
When you hit the Sails, the ball will usually get tangled with the Rigging, and the boat can then be pulled to shore.
I have used this method for many years, and is very easy to do !!.

John.