Articles on Applied Sailing
NOTES ON ANCHORING AND STUDYING ABOUT ANCHORING
Cruising certification tests at sailing school include basic anchoring skills. The assumption is that the sailor is anchoring for lunch and a swim or over-nighting in a quiet cove. What the examiner is looking for an orderly approach to the complete operation, teamwork, and a sense that the skipper has considered reasonable risks.
Study the subject: The ASA and USSA texts for cruising have good descriptions of anchoring operations. Dave Franzel, founder of Boston Sailing Center, in his book, “Sailing, The Basics” covers the basics thoroughly in four pages. Beth Leonard, world cruiser, gets into sixteen pages of serious detail in her book, “The Voyager’s Handbook.” Beth Leonard's book also contains some excellent anecdotes about what can go wrong. Robby Robinson's sailing textbook, "The International Marine Book of Sailing" is another excellent resource. The photographs detail a typical charter boat's chain and electric windlass system. Another good technical guide to anchors and anchoring is found in the West Marine catalogue and web site in the “West Advisor” section. There is no shortage of study material.
Any book written about voyaging includes anecdotes about anchors and anchoring adventures. The book “Loki and Loon” contains some of the best prose on anchoring and getting under way under sail. The owners had a 38 foot racing yawl without an engine. Their system works faultlessly.
Practicing anchoring is not difficult and cruisers should practice whenever practical. How to do so? From the cruising guide or local chart, select a place to anchor. Gather some friends on your boat. Stow the picnic. Head out. Simple enough. At least, that is how it will look to your guests. Anchoring looks easy if the skipper has prepared the yacht first.
Prepare the boat! Prepare the crew! Prepare yourself!
Anchoring on-water and written exam questions involve a number of topics:
- Preparing the equipment
- Selecting an anchorage
- Anchoring
- Determining that you are anchored, not dragging
- Raising the anchor and getting under way
- Clearing a fouled anchor
- Anchoring under sail and getting under way under sail
- Anchoring regulations
- Anchoring with two or more anchors