HOWTO BOAT MASTERAn anchor isn’t just a handy tool, it’s
also a vital piece of safety equipment.
If used correctly, it can often remedy
a tricky situation or at least prevent
it getting worse. So knowing how to
use it, where the electrical breakers
are and how to deploy it manually if
needed are vital to good seamanship.
The first thing you need to know is
how deep the water is and what type
of seabed lies under the boat. Sand,
mud or shingle all give good holding,
while weedy bottoms often prevent
the anchor from digging, so if visibility
allows, look for a sandy patch. Rocky
seabeds can have fantastic holding
but often make it extremely difficult
to get the anchor out again.
How much rode you put out depends
on whether it’s all chain
or a mix of rope and chain. If it’s all
chain, four times the depth should
be sufficient, if it’s rope and chain
then six times the depth is the norm.
However, in windy weather or strong
tides you will need to increase this.
If you’re staying a while, you will
also need to make allowance for
the tide, so base your calculations
on how much you will need at high
water and make sure there will still
be enough depth to stay afloat at
low water. Marking your chain with
different-coloured cable ties at set
intervals will make it much easier to
see how much rode you have put out.To set the anchor, balance the
boat against the wind and tide at
your chosen dropping point, then
gradually let out the chain while
allowing the boat to drop back with
the elements. I find that doing this in
two stages helps to set it. Let out half
the chain while the boat drifts back
and wait for the bow to get pulled
round, indicating it has set. Once it’s
holding, gradually let out the second
half, giving it time to stretch out along
the seabed rather than dumping it
in a pile, then engage astern gently
to make sure it has set. The chain
should go taut and feel firm to the
touch rather than vibrating, which
indicates it’s dragging. When you goback into neutral, the boat should
move forward as it takes up its place.
The final step is to take transits to
gauge if you’re dragging, then use
the chain lock or set up a bridal to
take the weight off the windlass.
To retrieve the anchor, move the
boat towards the anchor’s resting
place using the engines rather than
the winch to avoid putting strain
on the windlass.
Lastly, when you
get the chance,
wash the anchor,
winch and rode
with fresh water
to prevent
corrosion.Set your anchor
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