Get trained
This page explains the principles. It is not a substitute for hands-on instruction from a recognized program such as US Sailing, the RYA or ASA, and it does not replace the safety rules that apply where you sail.
Scope: how much rode to let out
Scope is how much anchor rode you let out compared with the depth. ASA says the depth used should include the height of the bow above the water, not just the water depth. Its worked example: 10 ft of water plus 4 ft of freeboard is 14 ft, and at 7:1 that calls for 98 ft of rode.
The ratio itself is where sources part ways:
| Source | Scope given |
|---|---|
| ASA | 7:1 described as typical |
| Boating Magazine (Joe Friedman) | Start at about 8:1. As little as 4:1 possible with heavy chain. Up to 10:1 in poor holding or strong wind |
| UK Sailmakers (Darren Seltzer, describing his own cruising practice) | 5:1 normally, 3:1 as a minimum, 7:1 in winds up to about 20 knots, 10:1 in bad conditions |
Friedman and Seltzer both call for more scope in strong wind or poor conditions, and ASA gives 7:1 as typical. There is no single agreed number, so treat these as each source's own starting point and learn what suits your boat and local conditions from an instructor.
Chain
Friedman (Boating Magazine) says chain lowers the angle at which the rode pulls on the anchor, absorbs shock and resists chafe. For overnight stays he suggests chain of about half the boat's length. Seltzer (UK Sailmakers) recommends a long elastic snubber to absorb shock loads. Anchor types and rode are covered on anchors and ground tackle.
Setting the anchor
ASA's principle is to approach slowly, heading into the wind, lower the anchor once the boat has stopped, and pay out rode as the boat drifts back.
Friedman and Seltzer both warn against rushing the next stage:
- Friedman says putting the engine in reverse too early can make the anchor skate across the bottom instead of digging in.
- Seltzer recommends gentle reverse first to load up the chain, before using higher engine revs, and keeping a hand on the rode to feel for skipping, which is a sign the anchor is dragging.
Checking it holds
Friedman recommends confirming the anchor is holding using landmark transits, GPS, radar or the depth sounder. He also recommends setting a GPS anchor alarm.
Anchoring etiquette
ASA's guidance for a shared anchorage:
- Give earlier arrivals room.
- Do not anchor close beside a lone boat.
- Keep noise down.
- Show you are anchored: an anchor light at night and a black ball by day.
Check the current light and shape requirements for where you sail with your local authority. The basics of the rules of the road are on rules of the road.
Emergency anchoring
US Sailing's Basic Keelboat lists emergency anchoring among the knowledge requirements for its entry-level certification, alongside rescue methods and distress signals. It is a skill to learn in a course rather than from a web page; see learning to sail.