Anchoring and Mooring

Anchor preparation

Preparation

Before you decide where to anchor there are a few considerations to take in to account.

This is ensured by calculating the height of tide when you arrive, subtracting the height of low water to find the fall of the tide, then adding this to the draught of the boat and the required clearance below the keel at low water. See the example below:

Height of tide on arrival =

- Height of low tide =

Fall of the tide =

+ Draught of vessel =

+ Clearance required below the keel at low water =

Minimum depth of water in which to anchor =

5.0m

1.5m

3.5m

1.4m

1.0m

5.9m

This has been called the FUD rule. This stands for FALL+UNDER+DRAUGHT.

The yacht then motors around the area, surveying the depths with the echo-sounder and the skipper selects a spot where the depth of water is 5.9m or more. Obviously, the chart can be consulted first to find an area where the depths are likely to be suitable for anchoring, but the final spot is chosen by the above method (when checking the depth, remember to allow for the swing of the boat).

  • The anchor should be released from any lashings.

 

  • The head sails cleared to prevent damage and to give some space.

 

  • Sufficient chain laid out on the deck for the expected depth.

 

  • The chain must be secured to the boat (if not, all the chain may be pulled out from the chain locker!)
Chain laid out for anchoring. It is useful to have paint marks or cable ties on the chain to help measure off lengths.

Anchor cable scope.

Anchors work best when pulled horizontally. This is only ensured when there is sufficient scope or length of cable laid, if insufficient cable is laid out, it is likely that the anchor will drag.

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Mailspeed Marine
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