Anchorage

Basic anchor technique

Good anchoring technique is important for staying safe in all kinds of weather. Choose a protected place with a good holding bottom and sufficient depth. Set the anchor by slowly moving forward, lowering the anchor to the bottom and then gently backing to set the anchor.

Anchor types

Plough anchors are among the most popular because they dig in well and hold in most bottom conditions.

Scope and chain length

Scope is the ratio between the length of the anchor chain and the depth. The correct scope is essential for the anchor to hold.

Always use chain closest to the anchor. The chain provides weight that keeps the anchor line down and improves the holding angle. A combination of chain and nylon rope provides good holding power and dampens jerks from waves.

Holding bottom

The holding bottom determines how well the anchor sticks.

• Sand — good holding ground for most anchor types
• Clay — very good, but the anchor can be difficult to dislodge
• Mud — usable, but requires a large anchor
• Rock and rock — bad, the anchor can slip
• Seaweed and sea grass — bad, the anchor cannot get hold

Important considerations

Always check the swing radius so that you do not swing into other boats or land when the wind changes. Use anchor lantern (white light visible around the entire horizon) at night. Remember that tidal differences affect the depth — take this into account when choosing a scope.

Anchoring is useful knowledge for the boat driving test . Also read about weather and sea conditions and maritime laws . Practice with free theory test .