Raising Anchor Using Windlass in Surge/Waves

[The Way]

Originally Posted by Tayana42

This comment is intended for the OP since TacomaSailor is well experienced and already knows this.

In my experience the boat is always safer in deep water. So the first concern is how to safely get away from the beach, the shallows and the breaking swell. In that situation I would buoy the rode, drop it in the drink and get out of dodge. I know dropping the chain isn't as easy as it sounds. I've only had to do it once. But every boat anchoring system should be set up with that eventuality in mind as a matter of ultimate safety. If you are away safely you can come back for your anchor and chain after the seas go down.


S/V B'Shert

An old trick I use: I tie the bitter end of the chain down below using 30 feet of polypropylene rope. When the chain runs out, you can cut the poly rope (on deck) and it will float so you can find the chain later. Saves having to bend on a float in bad conditions.

Fair winds,
Jack

[Goosebumps]

The thread is very useful to educate us on the seamanship of our fellow CF members and different possible solutions for tricky situations. It is clear that most of us have learned to cope by ourselves in most situations, Sailing schools can only teach so much. I would again suggest novice cruisers to try go cruise with cruising liveaboards who actually go and live on the hook.


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