8. Anchoring & the windlass
Setting your anchor:
Preparation:
•
Establish a non verbal communication system from bow to stern, as with the noise of the
engine and wind, verbal communication proves difficult.
•
Tie the dinghy painter close to the boat at the bow or amidships to avoid wrapping it
around the prop.
Location:
•
Choose a clear area to anchor in, with deep in 5 to 10 m. A white collor of bottom under
the sea water is sand and perfect for anchoring. A brown or green bottom will be grass,
rock or coral. Only anchor in sand.
•
Make sure that the land relief is protecting you from the wind and that you are not being
pushed onto the shore.
Action:
•
Carefully lift the anchor over the bow roller and slowly put the chain till the anchor is just
above the water surface.
•
Use the external forces; approach from down wind or current, whichever prevails.
•
Once the yacht is stationary use the electric windlass to drop the anchor. The external
forces will push you back and away from the anchor.
•
Minimum scope is 4:1. In heavy weather you may want to increase that, always ensuring
your rotation area is clear of any obstacles. Chain has red painted indication for each 10
m. You can issue 40m chain max. The chain is connected to the hull by a 10mm rope
which provides to drop out the chain in case of risk for boat, and not to be use as
extension of chain.
•
•
Engage reverse, slowly up to 1500 rpm to really drive your anchor into the sand.
