[PUP] Heavy Weather tactics - anchors

[John Harris]

It seems to me that the important thing in the use of a drogue or sea anchor 
is not so much how to retrieve it as how to deploy it.  There is lots of 
time to retrieve it and at worst release it completely and pick it up with a 
dinghy after the storm passes.  The critical item is to be able to deploy it 
in heavy weather and do it effectively - that is - on a proper length rode, 
in the proper direction, and not get tangled up in it or risking life and 
limb to deploy it.

The following is correspondence with Zack Smith of Paratech of a couple of 
years ago.

John Harris
==================
The following answers to your questions are for the basic use of a parachute 
sea anchor: For more information on parachute anchors check out: 
<http://www.paraanchor.com/faq.zac.html> Feel free to link this site to your 
own.

1. How should it be attached to the vessel ? On the Nordhavn I'd attach the 
para-anchor line to a cleat or sampson post near the bow. Typically, the 
main line attached to the para-anchor is paid out through the port hawse 
pipe and then cleated. A second, short line is ran through the starboard 
hawse pipe and is attached to the anchor rode via a snatch block. The bridle 
created by the two lines keep the bow of your vessel directly into the wind 
and waves. Some captains prefer to use a chain bridle with a claw hook to 
form their bridle. Still, others choose to attach the parachute anchor's 
line off the ground anchor roller or pad eye located on the hull just below 
the roller. The best approach is to use one that is familier or comfortable 
for you. Remember, the main idea is to keep the bow of your boat pointed 
into the waves.

2. How long should the rode be ? I carry approximately 10-feet of rode for 
every foot of boat to prepare for a worse case scenerio storm. Typically 
I'll pay out about 1/3 of the rode in a strong gale and use approximately 
1/2 my rode in a major storm. When in doubt deploy 50% of your line and feel 
how your boat behaves. If it starts to jerk unnatrually, then you need to 
pay out more rode.

3. How large an anchor do you recommend for a vessel with a gross weight of 
60,000 lbs An 18-foot Offshore Anchor.

4. How large a float and weight should be added ? An A-2 polyform float is 
49" in circumference and is perfect as a retrieval float for the 
para-anchor. Don't worry about adding bulky chain or weight, Fiorentino's 
offshore anchor is already weighted down with 8 oz. fabric, lines, weight 
placement and hardware.

5. How should it be launched ? First, deploy the floating recovery line with 
your retrieval float off the windward side of your boat. Allow your vessel 
to drift away from the recovery line until it's elongated. Second, drop the 
rolled up parachute off the windward side of your boat. Third, cleat your 
anchor rode so the para-anchor inflates immediately. Now pay out enough rode 
so that your vessel rides smoothly. In calm weather the para-anchor should 
be near your vessel. In storms, at least 50% of your line is deployed.

6. Should any other items (such as a storm sail) be used to hold the vessel 
stable ? I'd definately experiment with different sail plans to see if you 
can stabilize your vessel in a storm. A stay sail off the main is a good 
place to start or a reefed main to help point the bow into the waves.

7. How and where should such an additional stabilizer be set ? I believe I 
answered this question in question #6. But, it did make me think about your 
paravane stabilizers. I've used outriggers on commercial fishing vessels to 
stop uncomfortable rolls while anchored in a harbor. Outriggers on 
commercial boats are basically the same as a paravane stabilizer. If 
conditions were terrible enough you could experiment with the paravane 
stabilizers to see if it adds additional vessel stability while the 
para-anchor slows your drift.

8. What are the roughest conditions that you have experienced with this kind 
of arrangement ? In sea trials we've tested para-anchors in seas as big as 
40'. Personaly, I've had more problems in sea conditions that had 16' 
breakers with very short intervals between wave sets. Steep waves can make 
the surface of the ocean look like it's boiling. Sometimes it's hard to tell 
which direction waves are coming from. Once the para-anchor is set the boat 
immediately slows down and starts to point its bow into the waves. 
Everything for the moment is good. The big heavy boats like the Nordhavn 
won't swing about as badly as light displacement vessels. With a vessel that 
does bounce around at anchor, I position the rudder close to amidships or 
slightly to windward. Additionaly, I'll use a storm sail to stabilize the 
boat. With the Nordhavn the paravane stabilizers become an additional tool 
to use in the unlikely event that you need them.

9. Any other suggestions on proper use ? Chafe protection is good to use to 
protect your anchor rode from unnecessary wear. Firehose, leather or 
manufactured chafe guards all work well. When it comes time for para-anchor 
retrieval, motor toward the retrieval float located at the end of your trip 
line and collect the float with a boat hook. Just pull on the recovery line 
and the chute closes like an unbrella as the anchor rises to the surface.

Helpful hint, deploy and retrieve your para-anchor from the same windward 
side of your boat. So if you deployed off the port side you'll retrieve on 
the port side. Please let me know if you have any further questions. You 
have my permission to post the above questions on your site. Have a good 
day, Zack Smith ---- 

Original Message ----- From: John PH To: Zack@ParaAnchor.com 
<http://commcenter.attbi.com/wmc/v/wm