T&T: Anchor clone thoughts

[Dave Cooper]

Wayne wrote in part: <Anchors and anchoring and anchoring systems are a
combination of practical function, technique, and an art form or perhaps
simply witchcraft and personal philosophy.>

As Wayne so aptly put it if it wasn't "an art form or perhaps simply
witchcraft.."

In the last 5 years we have anchored Swan Song hundreds of times in just
about every type of bottom, in various sea states up to 6' waves with larger
swells and winds a steady 45 kts with higher gusts. Many places with
changing tides/current during this time. We have never used two anchors even
in changing tidal waters. In this time period we have never dragged to my
knowledge. We always wake up where we went to sleep. I use two anchor alarm
systems, one on each chart plotter, and if really dicey we've used the radar
alarm.

Our ground tackle isn't huge for Swan Songs size, a 90 lb Delta with 1/2"
chain. We always put out a minimum of 150' of chain and more often than not
200'. Letting the anchor bite in before pilling on it too hard is key, IMHO.
We do keep the rode laid out from the boat to the anchor so we don't have a
pile of chain on the bottom. We NEVER let the chain run but always use the
power down. Often letting the chain run will result in a chain heap on the
bottom and often right on top of the anchor......both bad, IMHO.

Once the anchor has bit and the chain has some tension we run up in reverse
from an idle and if OK to 1200 rpm. Usually the chain will be bar tight and
we're done. Put the snubber on, let out 20-25' of line and shut down.

We have only had to lift the anchor a few times and redeploy when the
reverse just couldn't get the chain "bar tight".

This combination of tackle and technique works for Nancy and I. Simple, no
shouting, no worries mates.

3 weeks anchored in 22' here in La Paz where the current (up to 4 kts)
changes several times a day and wind has been to 25 kts steady we stay put.
Almost all of the boats around us have gone by at one time or another as
their anchors have either dragged or failed to reset on the current change.
Luckily we have yet had one foul us but our time will come.....

As always YMMV.....

Dave & Nancy
Swan Song
Roughwater 58
Limin in La Paz before the PASSAGE