Anchoring, how to stop dragging and be secure.

Рет қаралды 660,848

4 жыл бұрын

Take anchoring seriously and you can be secure in almost all conditions. Many anchors are only suitable for ‘normal’ conditions, they fail in strong wind or a difficult seabed. Anchor dragging is a menace in any anchorage, and it’s not necessary.
The new generation, high holding power anchors are a big improvement over the traditional anchors, particularly on bottoms with poor holding. But I suggest using a size larger than recommended for extra security when it matters.
The traditional chain scope calculation, using a simple multiplier, is not correct due to the curvature of the chain. 15m (50ft) plus double the depth is better calculation. But always put out more chain in challenging conditions.
Thanks to John Bellagamba for the Kata Beach video
• 2010 Phuket King's Cup...
and NauticTube • Dramatic end to the Ph...
Independent anchor performance test charts.
www.petersmith.net.nz/boat-an...
Lewmar Delta size chart
www.lewmar.com/sites/default/f...
RYA - Things to think about when anchoring
www.rya.org.uk/newsevents/e-n...
Underwater Manson Supreme
• Underwater Footage of ...
Thanks to Ultimate Ambient Noise Soundzzz for the ‘relaxing’ storm video
• 🎧 Thunderstorm at Sea ...
Caterary formula.
Chain length = Sqrt(2 x Horiz load x Depth/Chain wt + (2 x Depth))
Where Chain wt = Chain mass per unit length x 6.9/7.9 to allow for buoyancy
home.earthlink.net/~w6rmk/math...
Formula works for metric or imperial.
The catenary shown is for 10mm chain (2.28kg/m), with a 100kgf horiz load. This matches observations of the chain on our 45ft yacht in about 25kts of wind.

Пікірлер: 405

@RichMac46 4 жыл бұрын

For advice on safe navigation in the digital age, please watch my other video:- kzfaq.info/get/bejne/n7qBq6-Z1ZqZnJs.html

@jamesstewart2962 3 жыл бұрын

@apollo8352 Жыл бұрын

Great advice... it is good to hear someone telling people what they need to be told rather than what they want to hear!

@thomassutherland5188 3 жыл бұрын

You got me hooked and it wasn't a drag.

@jerryseymour2738 3 жыл бұрын

HAHA!

@JK360noscope Жыл бұрын

This guy gets it

@pete9501 11 ай бұрын

Richard, this presentation is now over 3 years old. Following an interesting discussion on Cruisers Forum after you made the video, I have laminated up a picture published from your video and placed it in the inside of the anchor locker lid as a reminder. I think the 15m plus 2x depth solves the problem when using the RYA 4x, eg, not enough catenary in very shallow water when you really need it and penalises you in deeper water. Your formula has worked well over the past couple of years and until someone comes up with a better solution will be our go to method. So thank you for making this video, it is still very relevant today.

@stephencallaghan6620 3 жыл бұрын

For information and conmen sense, that was the best eleven minutes I’ve ever watched. 👍🏻

@stefankluge8827 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video! In my experience, though, how much chain you can feed out is almost always restricted by the boats already anchored in that bay. Which is one more reason to choose an oversized anchor with good resetting capabilities.

@Kyleinasailing 3 жыл бұрын

During the Medicane, Greece last year I was anchored and saw, at 2 am, a large yacht drifting passed just missing me. But my attention was diverted by a totally naked young woman on the boat, Italian and rather nice looking, working like fury to save her boat. She did, by stopping her boat 15 meters from the rocks so I heard. Had a drink with her afterwards and she was one amazing young lady. It pays to have a good anchor whilst others are dragging.

@Maulinator69 3 жыл бұрын

This story needs a follow up...

@SailingSarah Ай бұрын

A naked young woman is a bigger liability than an anchor dragging boat RUN FOREST, RUN! 😂

@graemefenwick6925 18 сағат бұрын

9:42 That’s excellent. Fits nicely with my experiences regularly anchoring in 5 to 10M. I’ve never had a good time with 4X depth.

@MontagueLord 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent update. Made me realize that I need to update my anchors.

@abdulkkhan5095 3 жыл бұрын

Very very precious advice. A very wise and experienced sailor.

@douglasmaxwell6547 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video Richard. I really enjoy listening to experienced people talk about what they know and its obvious you've real world experience in this area.

@vigorousseb6993 4 жыл бұрын

Great explanation! Keep these instructional videos coming.

@donskinner9430 2 жыл бұрын

this is some of the BEST advice I have seen on KZfaq for cruisers... Thank You sir.

@cwez11 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! I had to watch the whole video to get to the best part, but do, definitely, swim or dive on your anchor when you can. It's VERY enlightening! Thanks for a great tutorial! :)

@TheAstralftw 4 жыл бұрын

Good advice. I am paid skipper in Croatia, and have slept lot of nights on anchor this summer with sailboats(40-50 feet) and catamarans(around 40 feet). All those advice are good ,very good and there are few new things i learned actually! (i never watched size of anchor on my yachts ). Also i would advice, watching weather forecast is most important of it all, luckily here in Croatia they are very very very precise , so if there is any chance of stronger wind during the night then we sleep somewhere more safe (on very protected bay, or good buoys or port /marina). And let me repeat this - it was said in video but i ll repeat it again.. Every time you do anchoring , use engines to test it and bury anchor even stronger-when you are reversing on at least 1500 RPM and your boat is holding, that means you are pretty safe - up to very strong storm(for that you should be following weather forecast and have reservation on some marina/port) . If you are reversing and you are being pulled back, - go repeat process.. i did this hundred of times just this summer season..

@RichMac46 4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks Luka, good advice from an experienced skipper. You mentioned a very important point that I didn't cover - watch the weather and go somewhere safer if you need to. Anchor dragging should not be inevitable, it's up to the skipper to fit the right gear, choose a safe anchorage to suit the weather, then set it properly. Then always test it, I've seen so many people just stand on the bow and watch it for a while with no load!

@olafschermann1592 4 жыл бұрын

Great explanation! Thank you for the hints and recommendations. Even when it saves the vessel of only one of the viewers this video is worth $100k and the fate of a family.

@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017 3 жыл бұрын

Surprised at how many sailors don't understand their own boats and anchors.

@sd1332 2 жыл бұрын

Well said!

@6r4metroman 3 жыл бұрын

Once again, thank you. I have forwarded this on to a few in the sailing club...

@melrice1733 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent explanations, Richard. I will certainly follow the advice.

@sailingwithgrannyandgrandad 4 жыл бұрын

Great advice Richard. Thanks for sharing and explaining so well. Fair winds.

@Fr99763 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, well explained!

@julianbatcheler9970 3 жыл бұрын

I am planning to join the cruising world as soon as I can... and while entertaining, most of the you tube channels are far from informative. So glad I found you.

@siamsurf 2 жыл бұрын

"Always pull the anchor to test" is probably the most important advice of all. Most people only dive on it to make sure it isn't on its side or upside down. Thanks for this advice.

@robertwilliams8974 4 жыл бұрын

Additionally, use a snubber on your chain. This comprises a strong hook on the end of a stretchy line, which is attached to the chain near the windlass and then paid out 2-3 M as you let out 2-3M of chain. (This is done after you have let out the required amount of chain for your boat and the conditions.) The stretchy anchor rope is then secured to the sampson post. The chain can then be run out another 2-3 M or so to let it hang straight down into the water from the bow roller. The weight of this "loop" of chain will act as a shock absorber as will the stretchy anchor line. This technique also has the added benefit of reducing the noise of the anchor chain as it moves sideways across the bottom during wind "bullets" from different directions. Sleep safely and well!

@richardmacfarlane8404 4 жыл бұрын

Robert Williams Good advice about the snubber, thanks for your comment. We only use a short rope and hook, but will be changing to a longer, stretchy rope in future. The snubber is really important in shallow water where the chain is nearly straight.

@danielevenson3978 4 жыл бұрын

Wouldn't that extra chain offer even better shock absorbance if it was let out to increase your scope? I suppose the extra loop hanging from the boat acts like a kellet, but even then only half of that loop is pulling down your rode like a kellet, the other half of the loop adds nothing as it is suspended from the boat. But I imagine if you can't increase your scope for other reasons, this technique is better than nothing.

@Expedition_Tranquilo 4 жыл бұрын

Yes always use a snubber. Amazed how many yachts let their windlass hold the chain...

@puertola7186 3 жыл бұрын

ULTRA is simply the best anchor. I am surprised that you did not mention it.

@johngoncalves 4 жыл бұрын

Best anchoring video ever. Thank you.

@jwright9639 3 жыл бұрын

Well done ol chap! Given the current state of turmoil, some things we actually have control over. In a world of size matters, compensation achieved with an oversized anchor.

@jacquesfrancois-poncet5705 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. We have a Rocna 25 kilos on our 40feet catamaran and are very happy with it. Could not agree more with everything you say in that video 👍

@xx1590 4 жыл бұрын

Some very good advice and as you say so often misunderstood or ignored. Water and wind is unforgiving and if you are not ready you are doomed.

@henrymorgan3982 4 жыл бұрын

Good tips from a wise man. thank you!

@Mr7valentine7 4 жыл бұрын

Very reasonable tips. Thanks a lot!

@patience8884 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, this information is really useful. You answered so many of my questions. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video!!

@leslieduthie9406 3 жыл бұрын

I second this... Really generous sharing of experience. Thanks.

@petyrkowalski9887 4 жыл бұрын

Well explained. Nicely done.

@sasfish1966 4 жыл бұрын

This is a great point and more people should pay attention. What he does not go into and i feel is equally as important, is do not anchor on top of or over someone else anchor! Good practice is to leave enough room to swing differently and to pass to one side if one drags. Remember we all have different hull configurations and the tide, wind and waves react differently with each. Clearly you must use your own judgment but curicy never changes.

@misterjdodd 5 ай бұрын

What a great video. Thank you for all the included graphs of various studies too - I found myself pausing and looking for the brands I was considering multiple times.

@balazssalacz7763 3 жыл бұрын

Richard, tremendous thanks. I will take these suggestions very serious. Always one size bigger, 15m+2 times depth, string test before going onshore or to bed. Safe sailing everyone

@thomasking9524 2 жыл бұрын

Bravo. Well done, Richard!

@cory0702 3 жыл бұрын

Good advice, I'm looking at a new cat and no one has even mentioned this to me. I'll be looking into this Monday. Thanks Sid

@TheAdventuresofPrinceDiamond 3 жыл бұрын

All good advice. I bought a 36 kg anchor in St Maarten for my beneteau-423. I asked the salesperson of i could bring it back if it wouldn't fit the bow roller. It did almost fit, so just a slight modification to the pulpit was necessary. I was very happy and slept well in most anchorages. 🙂

@BlackheartCharlie 3 жыл бұрын

Great video - thanks for posting! I'm a cruising sailor who's anchored in hundreds of places on the US East coast, Bahamas and Bermuda. I'm also a firm believer that "bigger is better". I've assisted many other boats that have dragged in squalls (always at 2:00 AM!) and it inevitably comes down to too small an anchor or not enough scope. One notable exception was a couple who lost a beautiful 44' cruising boat due to the failure of a fancy stainless steel anchor swivel.

@RichMac46 3 жыл бұрын

Many thanks for your comment. As regards scope, the simple multipliers doesn’t work very well. In shallow water (like the depth-deprived Bahamas) you need a very big number, depending on your depth measurement. Many sounders measure from the transducer, whereas chain depth should be from the bow-roller, this error is a big difference when it shallow. In the Med, Greece and Turkey, you anchor in deep water, 10-15 m, sometimes up to 20m. It’s crowded, and it’s safer to move out away from the draggers. So, the 7:1 scope requires more chain than anyone carries, and it’s not necessary. The simple scope multipliers give too little chain in shallow water, but prevents boats from anchoring where it’s deeper and may be safer.

@JK360noscope Жыл бұрын

It's always the stainless anchor swivels!

@markvine3814 4 жыл бұрын

Very easy and enjoyable presentation. Thanks.

@fernandograu6677 2 жыл бұрын

thanks for the 15 + 2 x depth (+10 if windy) formula! that is so simple to remember!

@feastures 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir for this great information that I will use. Please make more videos?! Thanks.

@pjorgerod522 3 жыл бұрын

Hello, thanks so much for this so important procedure that will save me to do it wrong. I will revise my anchor weight and type. Please, continue if I can ask with so much value instructions videos. Paul

@jeffreystaley5266 3 жыл бұрын

From my experience, very good advice.

@orlandofanti 3 жыл бұрын

Great guidelines, thank you for the video!

@lmannyr1 4 жыл бұрын

Great Info!! Thanks for sharing. I'll be using the 50ft plus double the depth calculations from now on.

@CHRIS198490 4 жыл бұрын

sorry i am new 15m chain ? and double depth ?

@richardmacfarlane8404 4 жыл бұрын

CHRIS198490. The simple multiplier of the depth (scope) doesn’t allow for the curve of the chain, it’s flatter close to the bottom which uses more chain. A better calculation for chain length is a fixed length (eg 15m) plus a depth multiplier (eg 2), hence 15m plus double depth. See the charts in the video.

@pault8184 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Richard, i dont even own a boat (but hoping to in the next couple of years) thank you for the great anchor information you provided.

@nicholaskuhar6232 2 жыл бұрын

i suggest you befriend someone so you can go out a few times before you purchase a boat

@sd1332 2 жыл бұрын

Like the most of us......

@ub41nz 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much for the advice. Very calm and easy to follow presentation.

@rockymnthodad3047 2 жыл бұрын

He did say 'sleep well' so that precludes an 'anchor watch', .. how you get by with the less than ideal gear or amount of chain you have, ...but you really don't get much sleep.. thanks, love how mariners share their craft and wisdom .

@eviemoody 4 ай бұрын

I’m anchored out in a storm at the moment. I’m running an oversized Rocna and more than a 10:1 scope, all chain. I also have a couple 30 pound river anchors clipped along the chain in tandem to dampen whipping action from the swells. It’s been blowing 40 knots all weekend and I’m still holding a tight pattern. This setup has gotten me through many storms, some in excess of 60 knots. I still keep 2 anchor alarms set at all times and have a robust backup anchor, just in case.

@slavek033 3 жыл бұрын

Feels like back to school but I like it Learned a lot, thank you Sir

@halibut1249 3 жыл бұрын

I'm not a boat owner but watch many YT sailing vids and yours is especially important. You make excellent points. Who would want their beautiful sail boat crashing on the shore? (It would happen at 2am on a moonless sky, your worst nightmare.) Every sailor should heed your advice and check if their anchor (and anchoring technique) is satisfactory in ALL weather and seabed conditions. I see some use two anchors bow & stern, or even three, doubling up if there's a heavy drag. Great vid, important content.

@sd1332 2 жыл бұрын

First time here.I really enjoyed it.Very clear and informative.I got my Skipper certificate few years ago but I have not learned anything about anchoring.Not owning a boat right now .I wish to sail somewhere soon.Many thanks from your new subscriber.

@derekp6636 3 жыл бұрын

Great info, rather have a heavy sturdy anchor than something just enough for 'normal' days

@atreyuprincipalh4043 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You dear Sea brother Your message is well taken ,to be heeded.. ahoy for sea

@karlhansen635 3 жыл бұрын

Nicely presented Richard ~~~

@mr.morgan5643 10 ай бұрын

Great advice Richard! Thank you!

@garethmason9255 3 жыл бұрын

I'll never need this information but I listen to all of his experience knowledge.. As it was interesting and I learned from it. Knowledge is like exercising your mind as excersise is good for the body.

@rominhawk3949 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir for such a great presentation. I learned a lot about anchoring.

@davidbuck6976 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Richard, This is a great video by someone who knows what they are doing. The chain lengths are very important. It is well over 30 years since we worked together.

@RichMac46 3 жыл бұрын

Hi David, thanks for your comment. Good to hear from you, it’s been a long time!

@Der_V-Mann 3 жыл бұрын

Perfect presentation! It's really discusting relying in your safe anchor and than you need to leave that place due to unknowing seamanship. ⚓

@sellmyhousetom 2 жыл бұрын

Well made video Richard. Thank you.

@dc2288 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! I have a 46' trawler and use a 40kg Roccna and all chain. I use a minimum 3:1 scope with the height of the pulpit included. I also use a 20' bridle that decreases the slope of the chain. I've developed a high degree of confidence in this procedure and equipment. If the wind kicks up I'll go to a 4:1 scope or more.

@lechtresowski8009 2 жыл бұрын

There is a Problem in crowded bays with many yachts around ...

@toddnewman4530 3 жыл бұрын

I've found manson supreme to be brilliant anchor.. Never let me down. Plus heaps of chain. Especially with a 8 meter boat.. 8 meters isnt enough. We have 20 meters. Works a treat.. Thanks for the info.

@richardkaye2228 3 жыл бұрын

Well spoken and honest review

@roadboat9216 4 жыл бұрын

For decades anchored with a delta 55 on 43’ boat. Had great results. Later switched to a Spade. Love it! No dragging ever. Have cruised 10’ s of thousands of miles.

@kapirock7903 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Richard for the video. Totally agree with you. My worst nightmare is to wake up in the middle of the night and discover that we are about to hit something or worst because the anchor drag.

@tedthesailor172 3 жыл бұрын

I'm not surprised the cat owner was "grateful" when you saved his boat...!

@lovingatlanta 4 жыл бұрын

👍Good info sir. I agree with you. I love your curly hair too. Thank you. 💝

@Mr7valentine7 3 жыл бұрын

Quite reasonable tips. Thank you.

@HWCism 15 күн бұрын

Thanks Captain. Good advice.

@davidpower2406 4 жыл бұрын

I agree having sailed professionally since 1962 in sizes up to 150 tons dead weight. Pick your chain and anchor and winch as a family unit. With all the chain and anchor hanging vertically the winch must be capable of lifting it with EASE. One extra large anchor with over size chain and a bigger winch if needed and you will be sleeping soundly. My choice is a Rocna. The CQR used to be my preferred until Rocna appeared. However the CQR can revolve and dig itself out. Yes it happened to me. The Bruce doesn't like a very hard bottom but once dug in is good. Put out as much chain as the room allows. Each little link lying on the bottom is acting as a tiny anchor. Good cruising. By the way afore I go always have root vegetables aboard. A broken pipe can be mended with those round wooden plugs beloved of chandlers but when the pipe breaks can you ever find them ??? Everyone knows where the potatoes are. David Power

@erichbaier5170 3 жыл бұрын

Agree with your conclusion above 100%. Never dragged with our oversized (42 kg) Rocna and up to 100 meters of chain on our 52ft, 13ton Catamaran.

@buttonsvixen4698 2 ай бұрын

I yanked out a Rockna several times in grassy mud. Came out with a big ball of crud on it and wouldn’t reset.

@francisdrelling4060 2 жыл бұрын

Some nice practical, advice here. Thanks.

@sailingaeolus 4 жыл бұрын

Nice. I dragged a 25 lb mushroom anchor on my 23 ft Columbia when predicted winds went from 2 to 40 knots. Now I've got chain, let out enough line and a meaner anchor. Not nice having to go to sail at 10:30 at night in bad weather. Fortunately she's a shoal draft and I found a nice, sandy, protected beach to ram her up on. Slept on dry land...on my boat.

@douglasthorpe234 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent post, congratulations! Thank you for sharing your quantified methodology and practical tips based on considerable cruising experience!

@rnunezc.4575 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent info thank you. Size matters !..

@darrenrichards4840 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, well presented and great content without annoying background music and over use of graphics.

@brucemcnair2 2 жыл бұрын

Great advice. Many thanks

@panosp2498 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent advice !, many thanks

@StephenWalkerAhoy-Boats 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Thanks so much.

@watchlater840 3 жыл бұрын

Just won the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race carrying a 15kg plough when only 11kg was required. Spare anchor is a small be well designed old fashioned admiralty that has proven itself in 50 knots in open water. No need to compromise. As my Dad taught me always have an escape plan at anchor.

@davidh6809 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, valuable info. Thanks

@ophthodawg 22 күн бұрын

Very sound advise !!!

@DannyBoyInMarseille 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks for the advice...

@muzaffernamoglu911 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Sir...!!!!

@garysouza2277 4 жыл бұрын

Love, love, love my Spade...

@sailingsolo5290 4 жыл бұрын

Rocna is a excellent anchor. Really happy with mine. Plastic on sea bed fouling is common in asia ,the only reason i have ever dragged. I was here in phuket for the kata and other thai kings cup miss haps.

@dalethebelldiver7740 4 жыл бұрын

Very good video. Thanks.

@peterchristensen4156 3 жыл бұрын

Great video...I am a newbie to yachting but I was thinking maybe setting in low tide could be a problem too! Cheers

@MyTube4Utoo 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative. Thank you.

@donnakawana 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you I really found your "Anchor class" helpful an very useful an easy to remember... Thanks new subscriber ✌🏻💗☺️❣️

@wallacejeffery5786 2 жыл бұрын

Good explanation . Completely agree. Frequently inspect shackles and and mechanical connections including chain.

@RichMac46 2 жыл бұрын

I always thread a length of Dyneema thru the anchor, and up about 10 links of chain. Most likely a failure will be the shackle, or one of the last chain links.

@radbabic3532 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much great video.

@BarracudaHawk 3 жыл бұрын

Well done thank you for this

@collectiblecardsgamescusto9827 2 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU SO MUCH. That was a great video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@daylefound9313 4 жыл бұрын

Hello Richard. Long time no see. I follow a number of yachties on youtube who are circumnavigating or on extended cruises. Anchoring seems to be a fairly intensive subject in that arena and I make note of the effort that goes into it and the lack by some of conversant effectiveness usually resulting in others suffering as a consequence. Good to see you are still sailing. About time you called into Narrogin for a visit. Cheers Dayle...

@richardmacfarlane8404 4 жыл бұрын

Dayle Found Hi Dayle, thanks for the contact. Yes, I’ve always been sailing somewhere, we are still very much enjoying ourselves. Sailing tends to follow traditional methods, so the training and information can be decades out of date, hence my video. In contrast, aviation training is up to date and focussed on keeping alive. I’ll turn up one day and see if I still know how to fly!

@janbacka5632 4 жыл бұрын

Good advice...thank u sir...

@RHP9898 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video Richard, the advice does not age. I have a 65lbs CQR which I am changing for a 25kgs Mantus 2 on a Rival 41. The CQR is over size because it sets so badly! We frequently anchor on grass and it's un-nerving to swim over it and see it lying on its side just using it's weight to secure the boat.... 🥵

@RichMac46 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for that. I just think go for the best anchor you can fit. I’ve just returned from a few months in the Dodecanese, Greece, lots of wind and very variable bottoms, soft mud, hard sand, weed etc. We have a 33kg Rocna on our 45 ft Beneteau, and still dragged a couple of times. The Rocna is one of the best anchors, and we can’t fit a bigger one, so we have to accept we can never be 100% secure.

@joebloe1401 3 жыл бұрын

Great video--but I use chain plus 1/2" nylon line rode. Does your formula work with line? I drag a lot with my 7.5 Bruce, so I just got a 10 Rocna for my 27' Ericson.