"Anchoring" Talk by Colin McLean - 27th January 2023

Published 14:55 on 6 Mar 2023

"Anchoring"

by Colin McLean, Haslar Marina Assistant Manager

This was a very enjoyable evening where many useful tips and techniques were discussed. Colin started by saying that traditionally there are two subjects that you avoid in polite company because they can cause arguments: politics and religion. He is now adding a third topic: anchoring! There are always so many different opinions on how to go about this but this was Colin's method that he and his wife have enjoyed for many years. Colin also pointed out that this was not an RYA lesson.

Some people never anchor and it doesn't suit everyone but we were told that if we mastered a few techniques to make our anchoring safe we could enjoy a very peaceful way of staying in one place and of course there are many beautiful spots that can be enjoyed this way. There are no mooring lines to set so it can be a lot simpler than berthing in a marina.

Colin described the various types of anchor: CQR (secure), Plough, Danforth, Fishermans, Bruce or Claw and Grapnel and how each had different advantages depending on the type of seabed. We were warned to be wary of cheap anchors made in China and similar places as these were prone to failure due to low strength. The type of seabed is shown on the charts and information can also be found in the almanacs. We have to remember though, that the charts only show what the seabed was like the last time it was surveyed.

Colin then discussed the types of rode or line from the boat to the anchor: all chain, which is stronger and heavier, all rope (warp), which is mainly used for dinghies or a mixture of the two. The scope (length) of chain or warp needed depends on the maximum depth of water we expect during our stay. For chain we should employ 4 x max. depth and for warp it's 6 x. Colin advised that to stop the anchor chain from building up and getting tangled inside the anchor locker we could put a small traffic cone in there to distribute the chain as it is wound in.

We have to consider depth at all stages of the tide that will be experienced during the stay and this will be determined by the tidal range. The swinging room required must also be considered especially if there are other vessels anchored nearby. Yachts tend to swing with the tide whereas motorboats tend to swing with the wind. If the weather is going to deteriorate i.e. wind speed increases we should consider letting out more rode, putting out another anchor or using an anchor angel or kellet; a heavy weight attached to the rode near the anchor.

Selecting a good spot to anchor can be achieved in a number of ways; by consulting the charts, the chart plotter, the almanac and by listening to local knowledge e.g. from fishermen. 

Once anchored we should check that the anchor is holding by taking at least 2 and preferably 3 transits and always select fixed points, not another vessel that could move of course! It's then important to raise an anchor ball during the day or show an all-round white light at night.

There are several books that describe anchoring e.g. The Art of Anchoring, The Fine Art of Anchoring and a variety of YouTube videos that can help.
Haslar Yacht Club are planning on having an anchoring rally on 24th & 25th June. The location will be decided nearer the time depending on the weather conditions i.e. the direction of the wind and we'll choose a spot that is suitable sheltered. See the event section of the HYC website for more details.
The evening was rounded off with some Q&As and it was really noticeable that this talk was enjoyed by many friends within the Haslar Yacht Club. Many thanks go to Colin and I'm sure we'll be asking him back to talk to us again in the future.

Jem Nicholls

Related

• Talk: "Anchoring" by Colin McLean (27 January 2023, 18:00 - 21:00)

Last updated 13:22 on 25 October 2023