Remarkably Poor Anchoring Advice from the RYA

[svmariane]

Some folk just know how to anchor, and others, well ..... (sigh)

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by OldFrog75

I had to google "tick-over". That done, I've never heard of setting an anchor with the engine only idling.

Me too...... I thought it might be Royal Navy Speak for molesting the cabin boy

[goincruisin]

Hi there & thank you for pointing out the problems on the RYA site.

As an "anchoring expert" I have just sent them the below feedback:

--------------------

Good morning

on your anchoring instruction page:

A secure anchorage? | Anchorage | Cruising | RYA

there are two turns of phrase that may need to be edited, as one is quite dated, and the second incorrect.

the first is:
"Once the anchor is laid and the cable secured, momentarily engage tick-over astern to ensure good holding."

This statement may be valid when using a CQR, as it will certainly drag if one uses too much power while setting. However, Modern scoop type anchors only dig deeper when more power is exerted. The deeper an anchor digs the better it will hold. Therefore when using a modern anchor, more power is to be advised.


the other statement is:
"If the anchor will not budge; secure the cable and motor forwards to break the anchor out."

This has never been advisable. If the anchor is that badly stuck, motoring forward over it is likely to damage the anchor. A damaged anchor should never be used as it will not set or hold as well.

Much better advice is to bring in the cable or rode until it is vertical (as you state) and then wait for a bit. The boat's motion (waves & wind) will always loosen the substrate to the point where the anchor will easily break free.As a long time user of several different types of scoop type anchors, this has always worked.

In places where there may be foul ground, a trip line or sentinel, as in your own illustration, is well advised. If the anchor is stuck then this can be used to back out the anchor without causing damage.

best regards

Capt. Alex Blackwell
Master Mariner
Coastalboating.net

Happy Hooking – the Art of Anchoring
A “must have” for all boaters

[goboatingnow]

I have to defend the RYA. The genesis of this advice cones from anchoring under sail. The technique was to drift back gradually setting the anchor. In practice the CQR needs very gentle setting otherwise it just skims the sea bed.

Personally I reverse back under idle , once held I throttle up in a sailboat to dig in. I certainly don't drop and proceed backwards at high speed

Dave

[Zai]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

I have to defend the RYA. The genesis of this advice cones from anchoring under sail. The technique was to drift back gradually setting the anchor. In practice the CQR needs very gentle setting otherwise it just skims the sea bed.

Personally I reverse back under idle , once held I throttle up in a sailboat to dig in. I certainly don't drop and proceed backwards at high speed

Dave

I'll second that!

[bill352]

Originally Posted by svmariane

Some folk just know how to anchor, and others, well ..... (sigh)

Re post #16 picture - just remember to include the boat's altitude when calculating your scope.

[Glenn.Brooks]

At least now we know what to do with thousands (millions?) of unused CQR's hanging out in second hand marine stores. Ship them to Britain for resale. Sounds like they will fly out the door!

[goincruisin]

re CQR

We have an 80# CQR that came with our boat, we did use it until it dragged in a storm. Now it is used as an anchor for our dinghy running mooring. Does quite well, though it has dragged, but that is another story.

btw: here is my favorite quote:
"Man's greatest invention was the plow, and then some eeedgit made an anchor out of it."
it's in our quotes page: Favorite Quotes about sailing and the sea...

[barnakiel]

Boats used to anchor before engines got invented.

I sometimes reverse sometimes not.

When the bottom is oozy (which may be the case in many areas where RYA members learn to anchor) one is better off not to rev up in reverse.

b.

[highseas]

I have a Manson plow anchor,50# with all chain.Lapaz Mexico is notorious for boats breaking free in strong (40kn)northers with strong tide running opposite.It's an amazing sight seeing 100 or so boats doing "the waltz".Have anchored there for a month at a time without pulling,resetting anchor,but never dragged my plough!Most use too small an anchor,or can't get a set because they back down too soon.Give it a minute or 2 to settle into bottom,use lots of scope and it will set.I have a manual windlass and usually singlehand so when I drop it in tough conditions,it better set the first time.Not saying there aren't better anchors,but they work and many still use them.

[Scott Berg]

I think the point is that after you gently set your anchor to back down hard to really sink it in. A 60kt gust from a summer storm will put MUCH more strain on the cable (rode) than any typical yacht in reverse at any rpm. If it wasn't set before that...


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[ontherocks83]

I am a fan of club hauling myself. Just get a good run, tie off the bitter end and throw the anchor over board. If you do it right you can have your beer poured before your rode goes taught.

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by ontherocks83

I am a fan of club hauling myself. Just get a good run, tie off the bitter end and throw the anchor over board. If you do it right you can have your beer poured before your rode goes taught.

Yep.... Anchor handling is all about timing

Battleship - Final battle: http://youtu.be/qd5MqjvhW9c

[jongleur]

Originally Posted by ontherocks83

I am a fan of club hauling myself. Just get a good run, tie off the bitter end and throw the anchor over board. If you do it right you can have your beer poured before your rode goes taught.

Haayyyy. I seen that! I'd do it if it weren't for the sickly
sound of the chain scraping along the topsides as
the boat comes to a stop. (silly face here)