540
4
GETTING UNDERWAY
Studio ti 03312 540-04usa
63
− Confirm that the anchor is set well. One of the methods of doing this
is to choose two stationary objects on shore that are abeam of the
yacht and that line up to form a range. When the objects are in line
with each other (looking at them from the same position on your yacht,
for example the main helm position) your anchor is probably set.
− Visually check your position periodically in relation to the shore
objects. Any change in the way they line up means your anchor may
be dragging and you’d better try again. Always check the anchor if
the wind increases or the yacht swings in another direction.
Learn how to use the radar and GPS to assist checking your anchored
position. Read the manuals supplied with the equipment for this
information.
4.12.2 Determining scope
The amount of anchor rode (scope) to pay out depends on:
− the type of rode you’re using;
− the weather (now and in the future);
− the bottom conditions (mud, sand, weed, grass, gravel, etc.);
− the range of the tide.
A chart of the anchorage will show the type of sea bottom and the tide
range in the area. Avoid trying to anchor on rocky bottoms. The anchor
may not be able to hold or it may get caught under a rock.
The key is to keep the angle of pull on the anchor as close to horizontal
as possible. Heavy weather or difficult anchoring conditions demand
more scope. Always keep in mind the extent of the arc or circle in which
you’ll swing in relation to other yachts in the anchorage.
In an area with a substantial tide range, you should consider the tide
range in determining scope; at high tide you may not have enough rode
out for the proper scope.
Rode: the rode is the line connecting the anchor to the yacht.
Rode length = (Foredeck Height + Water Depth) x Scope.
Scope: the scope is technically defined as the ratio of the rode length to
the vertical distance from the foredeck to the sea floor.
Scope = Rode Length / (Foredeck Height + Water Depth)
Minimum scope is 5:1 for calm conditions; norm is 7:1; severe conditions
may require 10:1.
4.12.3 Retrieving the anchor
To avoid overstressing the electric windlass, break out your anchor by
powering up to it slowly, taking in the chain or rope as you go. When the
foredeck is over the anchor, the windlass should be able to lift it vertically.
If the anchor is still stuck, stop the windlass and snub the rode around the
cleat/bitt or windlass (chain). Then power the yacht forward slowly over
the anchor until it breaks free. When the anchor is free, remove the rode
from the cleat/bitt and try the windlass again. You know the anchor is free
when the windlass is able to pull the rode and raise the anchor. Be careful
not to damage your yacht’s hull during this operation or ride over the
anchor and foul the yacht’s propellers with the rode. Do everything slowly
and gently.
A muddy or weedy bottom condition may leave the anchor and chain very
dirty. Use the seawater washdown provided on deck to clean the ground
tackle while retrieving it.
Read ANCHORING PRECAUTIONS on the next paragraph.
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