T&T: Anchor Loyalty

[Wayne & Lynn Flatt]

I have a degree in Psychology.  I know about Nature & Nuture and, friends, I
really, really try not to employ psychology when anchoring or hearing about my
neighbors anchor.  I may covet my neighbors anchor but never will I use
psychology on them.  Yes,  I often use rum after the hook is down, absolutely.
But Psychology? No.  Ok, ok, I admit there are times I do cuss the hell out of
it, but that is for me, not a form of intimidation of the anchor.

We anchor 90% of the time while living and cruising full time.  Our Supermax,
(all chain, big swivel optional, and the only anchor on the foredeck),
experience is that we have dragged exactly twice in four years, once was my
fault and once the crew's fault.

An anchor, no matter what type, will not respond well to human emotions nor
attend to psychological warfare.  It does, however, respond extremely well to
good setting technique.  Dare I say the real reason most anchors do not set
properly or drag later is the technique used by the captain and crew, not the
fact that the anchor has a plow, teeth, hoe, flukes or is aluminium, pig iron,
stainless or chromed.  The reason we can blame those things is because they
may have influence on the technique we use.  Besides, typically the crew is
your life partner and if you blame him or her you won't get any for a month,
and that leaves ourself to blame and who wants to blame oneself.  No, blame
the anchor, it can handle your abuse and it can't get even with you later.

The only thing better than my favorite anchor is the same anchor in heavier
size.  I do like heavy anchors.  They squish mud, cut grass, and gouge really
neat holes in loose rocks and gravel beds.  Having a really heavy anchor is
like loving bigger women, I think, maybe or maybe not.

Oh, yeah I almost forgot.  Give me chain, lots of chain, the more the better.
I may be anchored in 10' of water, but you'll see me with a 100' of chain out.
yeah, chain.

Oh, and while you're at it, trade that wimpy windlass you got for a big boy
like Ideal.  If fuel gets much more expensive and if I had enough chain I
would anchor in Florida let out enough chain to travel to Canada and just let
the windlass haul my 65,000 lbs back to Florida.  My Ideal Windlass is, er,
well ideal for me, my boat and anchor.

Your mileage may vary,

Wayne Flatt
MV Skinwalker