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Lesson 4 -Anchoring

Anchoring is a fundamental skill for any skipper. Whether you’re stopping for lunch, staying overnight, or waiting for a berth, knowing how to anchor safely gives you confidence and peace of mind.

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🧭 Choosing the Right Anchorage

Before dropping anchor, select a safe and suitable location. Look for:

  • Shelter from wind and waves
    Avoid exposed areas—look for coves, bays, or behind natural barriers.

  • Adequate depth
    Deep enough to avoid grounding, but not so deep that anchoring becomes difficult.

  • Good holding ground

    • Sand or mud – Ideal, allows the anchor to dig in securely

    • Weed or grass – Can be unreliable, may cause sliding

    • Rock or coral – Poor holding, can damage gear and the environment

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Tip: Always prefer sandy bottoms when available for best holding.

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⚓ How Anchors Work: Chain Angle & Holding Power

An anchor's effectiveness depends largely on the angle of pull from the boat to the seabed.

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Chain Angle vs. Holding Power:

  • 0° (flat) – ~100% holding power

  • 5° – ~75% holding power

  • 15° or more – ~50% or less (risk of anchor dragging)

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To maintain a flat angle:

  • Use the correct scope (rode length to water depth):

    • Calm: 5:1

    • Moderate: 7:1

    • Strong wind: 10:1

  • Add chain to your rode
    The weight helps keep the pull horizontal.

  • Use a snubber
    A nylon line that absorbs shock loads and reduces strain on the windlass.

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🔄 Anchoring Process – Step-by-Step

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1. Prepare the Anchor

  • Anchor and rode ready to deploy

  • Crew briefed and in position (bow & helm)

  • Depth and swing room confirmed via charts and sounder

2. Approach the Anchorage

  • Head into the wind or current slowly

  • Stop just ahead of your intended drop point

  • Shift engine into neutral

3. Lower the Anchor (Don’t Drop It!)

  • Lower the anchor gently

  • Let the chain settle naturally on the seabed

  • Let out 5–7x depth in rode as the boat drifts back

4. Set the Anchor

  • Engage reverse at low RPM

  • Watch for movement to stop—this confirms the anchor is digging in

5. Check the Holding

  • Monitor shoreline markers for drift

  • Feel the tension in the rode

  • Use a snorkel or underwater camera for visual confirmation

  • If dragging: retrieve and reset the anchor

6. Secure with a Snubber (if using chain)

  • Attach a nylon snubber to the chain and cleat

  • Reduces strain on windlass and absorbs shock in swell

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🪝 Retrieving the Anchor

  • Start the engine

  • Motor slowly forward while taking in the rode

  • Retrieve only when the chain is vertical (prevents windlass strain)

  • If stuck, maneuver gently in different directions to free the anchor

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🌙 Final Safety Checks Before Relaxing

  • Anchor light ON at night

  • Set GPS drag alarm

  • Check the weather forecast for wind shifts

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✅ Quick Recap

  • Choose a protected, sandy-bottom anchorage

  • Use the correct scope and plenty of chain

  • Lower (don’t throw) the anchor

  • Set with gentle reverse

  • Use a snubber for chain setups

  • Check that the anchor is holding

  • Retrieve with the chain vertical

  • Monitor your position and weather conditions

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