Sarca Excel

[Factor]

Not a great deal on the forum about these anchors, so I thought I would show my new one fitted to my boat (seawind 1000XL) Fits way better than a roll bar style and so far so good, though it hasnt been put under any real pressure.

[Guy Hassall]

I have some experience with the SARCA picks in the top end where the bottom conditions can vary from mud sand to rock and have found they have excellent holding power. They also come up without too much of a fight. What size are you using on your 1000xl? and how much chain do you carry?

[Factor]

I went a bit over the top - its a #5, could easily have used a #4 I think, the 5 is 20 kilo and the 4 is 15 kilo (approx). I have about 60 metres of chain and 40 metres of nylon, I have never had to put the nylon effectively Out (have put the bridle chain hook on the last metre of chain, so the nylon was quite a few metres out.

[Guy Hassall]

Sounds good, I don't have the experience with cats, but up here with a 7m tidal rip and unexpected storm fronts that can come from all directions (albeit short duration) holding power can take on a new importance. Thanks.

[S/V Alchemy]

I like the look of the Sarca line, but I am unsure whether you can acquire one outside of Oz.

[Guy Hassall]

I just had a quick look at their website anchorright.com.au they only list distributors in Oz and NZ you could give them a quick e-mail they might be able to point you in the right direction.

[Factor]

I am pretty sure they will send them anywhere in the world, the issue will I suspect be accessing reasonable freight prices.

[foggysail]

Gosh, that anchor sure looks a lot like a Delta. OK, maybe it has hidden features but! I used an 88# Delta on my 40" Silverton aftcabin this summer that I purchased new from Defender late last year. I had great expectations for my Delta only to find that it either slipped or plowed. In any case, the boat moved while being subjected to about 20K wind and strong tidal change currents. OH, I used an all chain 5/16HT rode and a scope of 6. Sure, a larger scope might have helped but sometimes you just cannot use large scopes in our crowed harbors.

Yes, you guessed correctly when trouble happened, 3:30 AM! My Delta is now resting peacefully in my basement. I replaced it with an 80# Manson Supreme.

Foggy

[Factor]

It may look like a delta, trust me I tried a delta on the boat, (borrowed) and the excel is not a delta. I am not yet saying its the best anchor in the world, - I need to test it more but a Delta it isn't. The Manson Supreme is I think we all agree an excellent anchor, but it hangs to low on my roller system.

[GMac]

In photos the Excel can look like a Delta but put the 2 side by side and you will find there are some very significant differences. Besides the Excel having SHHP Approval and Delta doesn't being just one. On the AnchorRight website there is the results of some testing done which shows a huge performance gap between the Excel and Delta.

We have been replacing Deltas with Excels on a range of 40 to 44fter imported yachts, they arrive with Deltas on them. All the owners have had issues with the Delta and all say the Excel just doesn't give them that grief. 90% just swapped equal weight for weight.

The Excel has some quite trick bits in it actually. Rex has even taken into account the liquefaction that can happen in some bottom types as a anchor sets. The name laser cut into it is more than just for pretty, it does a structural job. As much as us kiwis despise having to utter these words about Aussies it is justified this time, 'They are cunning buggers one or 2 of those Aussies'. Yeap, that did hurt, but only a little

In Aussie the SACRA range sells in massive quantities. In NZ they did well but the local distributor got busy with their other business so dropped the ball a bit. Sarca is now being done by another mob who have picked up the pace again by a lot.

Recently shipment have been going to the UK and garnered some seriously favourable comments by the users there. Also some have filtered into the US again to very very favourable comments, so much so a large outfit has gained the rights to sell them there and have some big shipments arriving, probably have arrived by now. Rex at Anchor-Right, the designers and makers of the SARCA range, seems to have been a little reluctant to expand just in case they dropped the ball. Good to see quality is more the focus than selling for the sake of selling them. Rex and Joy, Mr and Mrs Sarca, are very nice people, yes while even being Aussies, and I'm 100% sure they would more than happily answer any questions as where you could buy them locally or help shipping one to you.

The Excel and Fortress are the only 2 SHHP Approved anchors available that don't have rollbars. The other 2 SHHP approved are both rollbar ones, those being the Supreme and Super Sarca.

We have seen a lot of boats go with the Excel rather than change their bows to take a rollbar anchor. Have yet to hear of anyone who isn't happy with their choice.

There are some good videos on their site worth a peek at.

[S/V Alchemy]

Nice endorsement. I've got time to await developments before I have to buy a proper primary, so we'll see how things change. North American distribution would be an excellent move for them.

[GMac]

Yeap, they are a nice bit of gear and damn handy being rollbar free.

The guy in America is keen and some big shipments are heading that way, if not already there.

[Sandyh]

I've discussed this a bit with Factor and the only argument I have is that with chain rode [8mm] my Supreme won't hold readily with 3-1 and needs a minimum of 5-1 where it does an excellent job.

G'day

[Ozbullwinkle]

I got sick and tired of our CQR just lying on its side and dragging across the bottom. So, after doing quite a bit of research I replaced it with a Super Sarca on a 36 foot flybridge gamefishing vessel that I ran from the Gold Coast to Cairns Queensland over a leisurely 6 month return voyage. I couldn't be happier with the performance of the Super Sarca. It sets first time every time!

Here are some interesting test videos from the Sarca manufacturers which also includes the Excel model which Factor has installed. There are other videos on their website as well at Anchor Right Australia

In case you are wondering, no, I have no affiliation with the company at all but am so pleased with the performance of their anchor I am happy to spread the word.

Super SARCA to The Test - YouTube

SARCA Excel to The Test - YouTube

The Snatch Test - YouTube

[S/V Alchemy]

It's notable that the old Aussie (maybe the owner?) is very careful not to NAME the competition...just to describe them!

Interesting stuff.