T&T: Anchoring in the Perfect Storm

[Mike Maurice]

Reading Earl Hinz's book on anchoring the other day got me to thinking 
about some possible solutions to the problems encountered in big storms.

It is painfully obvious that chafe is the nearly unsolvable problem in 
big storms. That if the chafe problem can be eliminated then it is only 
a matter of having heavy enough gear to withstand the strain.

The use of rubber hose, leather wrappings and so on has been covered and 
used extensively in these situations. However, at wind speeds above 100 
mph or so, the lines often don't just fray but actually melt. Even if 
chafing gear has been properly rigged.

I am inclined to favor a chain bridle to bring the anchor line aboard 
under such circumstances. The bridle should be a size or 2 larger than 
that required to match the strength of the rest of the anchor rode, but 
not larger. The length of the bridle legs should be about 1/3 to 1/2 of 
the boat's length. Chain like this is very resistant to chafe or to 
melting, but it is essential that it be cushioned by nylon rode from 
there to near the anchor. There should be some chain at the anchor end. 
Such a lash up is difficult to alter the scope once set up. But, I am 
inclined to think I would trade the ability to alter scope which might 
not be doable in any event, for a more secure lash up. A bridle has the 
advantage of tending to keep the boat's head lined up into the wind and 
waves and reduce yawing.

There is another issue to consider. If the anchor line parts or drags 
there is the thorny issue of getting another anchor to grab hold. A 
second anchor can be placed in readiness, but and here is the thorny 
part; how to place this next anchor such that it can in fact be deployed 
in the conditions to be expected and not have it entangled or disabled 
by the time that occurs. I am sure that almost every variation on this 
tactic has been tried at one time or another, by better seamen than we.

However, it seems to me from my reading on the tactic that this simple 
backup may be the key to survival in worst case storms. And that the 
ability to deploy a 3rd anchor if need be is not beyond reason or sanity.

In regards to this backup anchor. The more of it's scope that is already 
deployed at the time the main anchor fails the less time and distance 
that will be lost before it grabs and stops the drifting into peril. On 
the other hand, unless care is taken all this extra line and chain may 
become fouled on the primary anchor or even something unexpected, before 
it can be put to use.

If the second anchor is deployed and set then the primary anchor has 
some chance of dragging into it and could render both useless. I don't 
have a solution, only that you consider what the consequences might be.

Regards,
Mike

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Capt. Mike Maurice
Beaverton Oregon(Near Portland)