Safe and Secure Anchoring

Safe and secure anchoring of a yacht is a fundamental seamanship skill — especially important for cruising, overnight stays, or waiting out weather. A well-set anchor gives you peace of mind and keeps your boat and others safe. This is a guide to safe and secure anchoring of your yacht, from planning and approach to set and security.

1. PREPARATION – BEFORE YOU DROP THE HOOK
Choose a Good Anchorage:

• Sheltered from wind and swell (check forecast for shift)
• Good holding (mud, sand ideal; weed/rock poor)
• Room to swing 360° on your anchor (especially overnight)
• Depth suitable for your chain/rode length
• Avoid:
  • Lee shores
  • Fairways
  • Underwater cables or restricted zones

 Check Charts & Tides:

• Review depth at low tide
• Look for obstructions, rocks, cables, wrecks
• Watch for current or tide set

2. PREPARE THE GROUND TACKLE

• Check the anchor is clear and ready to deploy (flukes untangled, chain not twisted)
• Confirm:
  • Windlass works
  • Chain is marked for length
  • Snubber line is ready (for load distribution)
• Brief your crew — clear communication is key

3. APPROACH THE ANCHORING SPOT

• Approach into the wind/current (whichever is stronger)
• Slow to bare steerage speed at the drop point
• Steer with intentional direction, ready to stop headway

4. DROP THE ANCHOR
General scope rule:

5:1 to 7:1 scope (chain or chain + rope length to depth at high tide)

Example:
In 4m of water, at high tide:

• Drop 20–30m of chain

Steps:

1. Stop the boat over the chosen spot
2. Lower (don’t throw) the anchor — control the descent with the windlass or by hand
3. Let the boat drift back slowly with wind/tide as you pay out the chain/rode
4. Let out enough scope, then snub the chain
5. Let the anchor dig in by putting the engine in reverse gently

5. SET THE ANCHOR

• Reverse gently to bed in the anchor
• Then increase throttle briefly to test holding
• Watch the chain — if it jerks or skips, it may be dragging

You’re properly set when:

• Boat stops moving astern
• Chain tightens smoothly
• Engine loads up slightly in reverse

Attach the snubber to absorb shock loads and prevent windlass strain.

6. CHECK & MONITOR
Check:

• Visual reference: Are you staying in line with land objects?
• Use a transit (line up two objects) or anchor alarm app
• Dive or snorkel to visually inspect if in doubt

Set an Anchor Watch (especially overnight or in poor holding):

• Use GPS or app (Navionics, Anchor Watch, etc.)
• Regularly check bearings or GPS position
• Confirm swing room with chart plotter or hand bearings

7. LEAVING AN ANCHORAGE

1. Start engine and slowly motor forward to reduce tension on chain
2. Use windlass to recover chain steadily
3. Wash down chain if muddy
4. When the anchor breaks free, pause to let it drain and clear mud
5. Once it’s secured in the bow roller or locker, resume your journey

 TIPS FOR SAFE ANCHORING

GEAR TO CARRY

• Good primary anchor (e.g. Rocna, Delta, or Bruce)
• Adequate chain + rode (30–60m minimum)
• Secondary anchor (for backup or dual anchoring)
• Anchor snubber or bridle with hook or rolling hitch
• Trip line (optional)
• Deck washdown hose or bucket
• GPS anchor alarm app (or in-built plotter alarm)