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7.14 Anchoring Procedures
Books on seamanship all have a secon on how to properly and safely anchor your boat. The summary
below is intended only as a basic guide to acceptable anchoring technique. Leading windlass manufacturers
recommend that correct anchoring technique be researched and understood thoroughly before going to sea.
Tips and Guidelines:
• Before deciding where you want to anchor, slowly cruise around the anchoring site and check the boats
already at anchor, to ensure you have enough room to swing.
• Allow adequate room around the spot where you wish to anchor. Remember that power vessels swing
dierently than yachts. Boats on rope rodes swing around more than those on chain.
• Slow down and keep the bow into the wind, or current, whichever is stronger and as the boat comes to a
complete stop, start to lower the anchor.
• Aer lowering the anchor, either dri back or slowly reverse while paying out the anchor rode, in order
to ensure the anchor is set (holding rm).
• The amount of anchor rode you pay out should always be at least three mes the depth of water in
which you are anchoring.
• In case the engine fails to restart, do not switch o the engine unl you are sure the anchor is set
(holding rm). Use buoys as reference points if they are available or, if close to shore, use prominent
landmarks to check you are holding your posion.
• Once anchored, secure your anchor rode with the chain stopper or secure to a deck cleat or bollard with
a hitch that is easy to cast o. Do not anchor o your winch.
• Have a small buoy handy, which you can e to the end of your anchor rode in case you have to slip your
anchor. You will then be able to recover your anchor & rode later.
• Always anchor your boat via the bow.
• Check your posion frequently when at anchor to monitor drag.
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