Question 1

What is the recommended scope (ratio of cable length to depth) for anchoring in moderate conditions?

Accepted Answer

Use at least 3:1 scope, ideally 5:1, when anchoring in moderate conditions.. Scope (cable length : depth of water at HW + freeboard): MINIMUM 3:1 in calm conditions. 5:1 in moderate conditions (recommended). 7:1 or more in heavy weather. Greater scope reduces the angle of pull on the anchor, keeping it flatter and increasing holding power. In chain, catenary (the sag in the chain) provides a shock-absorber. In rope rode, more scope provides the elasticity. Always allow for tidal rise in your depth calculation.

Question 2

How do you check whether your anchor is dragging?

Accepted Answer

Monitor compass bearings on at least two fixed shore objects for sustained changes, track GPS position and watch anchor chain tension for signs of dragging.. Check repeated compass bearings on two or more well-separated fixed shore objects and monitor GPS position, distinguishing normal swinging from sustained movement beyond the expected swinging area. Set a GPS anchor alarm centred on the anchor's estimated position, with a radius allowing for the vessel's expected swing and positioning uncertainty. Chain lead and tension provide supporting indications, but jerking can occur with a holding anchor and steady tension does not prove it is holding. Depth trends may help, allowing for tide, but a dragging vessel may remain at the same depth over level ground.

Question 3

How do you lay a kedge anchor from a vessel that is already anchored?

Accepted Answer

Take kedge and warp by dinghy to the chosen position, drop anchor, return aboard, then haul its warp to move or hold the vessel.. KEDGE ANCHOR deployment: 1. Load kedge + warp into the dinghy (or tender). 2. Pay out the warp as you travel in the desired direction (against wind/tide usually, or in direction you want to move). 3. Drop the anchor when you have the desired amount of warp out. 4. Return to vessel. 5. HAUL on the kedge warp to move the vessel, or simply secure it as a second anchor. Used for: refloating a grounded vessel; preventing swinging in a tight anchorage; holding the stern in a particular direction. Row or motor the dinghy to the desired position, usually upwind or uptide.

Anchoring, questions and explanations

What is the recommended scope (ratio of cable length to depth) for anchoring in moderate conditions?

How do you check whether your anchor is dragging?

How do you lay a kedge anchor from a vessel that is already anchored?

Practise this properly

Anchoring, questions and explanations

Questions

What is the recommended scope (ratio of cable length to depth) for anchoring in moderate conditions?

How do you check whether your anchor is dragging?

How do you lay a kedge anchor from a vessel that is already anchored?

Practise this properly