Yacht lies abeam to wind at anchor

[matty47]

Hi, I’m moored in semi sheltered tidal water with a 20 knot wind blowing. For some reason the 12m mono with a fin keel has taken to lying beam on to the wind. Anchor appears well set not dragging. It’s 2 hours after low tide so the current is coming up against the wind as the tide rises. Would this cause the rear of the yacht to not go downwind? All was well until now. Thanks for any advice.

[sailorchic34]

I had this exact situation not more than an hour ago. By any chance do you have solar panels and is your boom pushed over to one side to prevent shading on the solar panels.

I had moved my Boom over to the side this afternoon to prevent Shadows are my solar panels. An hour ago in 25 knot winds, my boat was beam to the wind and I'm going what the heck. But with a different 4 letter word.

When I've removed the Vang from the chain plate and put it back to the mast and then pulled the mainsheet in, the boat rounded up and sat as it was supposed to.

[matty47]

Hi, boom is in the centre of the boat. I’ve been “googling” anchoring in tidal streams and it would appear that the 180 degree reversal will turn the boat around. That’s exactly what is happening. The boat is spinning around with the anchor on the side of the boat and the stern close to facing the wind. First time for me in this situation so I hope this is the case. Current here may run up to 2 knots and the wind is gusting up to 20knots. Hope one of them subsides soon. Would not be a worry if it was only the current as I suspect.

[kev_rm]

if its not crowded, throw a stern anchor!

[meridian28]

Current ordinarily will override wind

[senormechanico]

Do a search for LaPaz Waltz. You are not alone.
We experienced roughly the same thing there during wind vs tide on our Lord Nelson 35.
It's pretty amazing to see a 35 foot full keeled boat sideways to a big current with your anchor slack and nearby.

[44'cruisingcat]

It's certainly not uncommon. Strong wind against strong tide can get pretty uncomfortable.

[Nicholson58]

The current can easily take control of the boat over the wind. Watch your anchor chain. Make sure it’s not making a mess of your bottom paint. Try turning the rudder. We had a wild ride in the Hudson by 79th st basin. Very nasty anchorage.

[JPA Cate]

We lie peculiarly in wind against tide situations, too. it is most annoying when it drives us up over the anchor and the snubber chafes the bow bottom paint. Sometimes, putting the helm over to turn up tide helps, but depends on where the wind is from and the local geography, above and below the water. The anchorage at Jumpinpin can be really hairy, especially at springs.

Ann