Big Winds in Vancouver

[YVRguy]

Gale force winds last night in YVR - Blowing directly into False Creek. This poor guy didn't fare so well. I've never had to consider anchoring in 35kt winds but I noticed that none of the boats out there have more than one anchor out. Should that be enough?

 

[Jackdaw]

Your primary ground tackle setup should be able to hold you in anything less than storm conditions. If it doesn't, you will be messing with the huge hassle of double anchors WAY to much. Lots of scope and a good set are your best friends.

But lots can go wrong in 35 knots. And that cat has HUGE frontal area. Bummer.

 

[Stu Jackson]

It's not the number of anchors, it's the selection of all of the components of a proper anchoring SYSTEM. 35 knots is not really all that much. Skippers back ast get that in afternoon thunderstorms on a daily basis.

Why NEW GEN Anchors are Better:

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2705.msg19651.html#msg19651

Anchor System Sizing Tables (Reply #6) http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4990.msg30400.html#msg30400

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Blowing directly into False Creek.

Probably just lack of anchor preparation. "This area looks well protected".

Never anchored in False Creek but from walking around it, you'd just never expect to be hit by bad winds in there. And from that particular area, it's not even looking straight out into English Bay

I'm sure some famous philosopher somewhere once said "Sh*t happens when you least expect it".

 

[YVRguy]

It's not the number of anchors, it's the selection of all of the components of a proper anchoring SYSTEM. 35 knots is not really all that much. Skippers back ast get that in afternoon thunderstorms on a daily basis.

Why NEW GEN Anchors are Better:

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2705.msg19651.html#msg19651

Anchor System Sizing Tables (Reply #6) http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4990.msg30400.html#msg30400

Thanks for this Stu. I use a Bruce now but it's a little small anyway so a new anchor is not far off.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Do we know if the anchor dragged or pulled out, or if the rode itself failed, or some other weak link in the ground tackle failed?

A larger (over-sized) anchor with a good set might remedy the first situation. Chaffing gear on a nylon rode the second (if using nylon of the proper size), or close inspection/replacement of the chain and shackles if the last. Unseized shackle pins can work free, galvanized but rusted undersized shackles can fail under load; SS shackles can experience failure (breakage) from internal electrolysis. Need to know what happened b/f a viable solution is proposed.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Is that an anchorage or a mooring field? I'm looking at the orange ball off the motor yacht.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Chart depth of False Creek above the Granville Bridge is 4 to 7 metes; very protected. Probably mud bottom.

 

[YVRguy]

Is that an anchorage or a mooring field? I'm looking at the orange ball off the motor yacht.

There are no mooring balls in False Creek. The ball you see might be a crab trap. Although I have no idea who would be crazy enough to eat crab from here.

 

[Kings Gambit]

More likely it is a float marking the position of an anchor.

 

[YVRguy]

Chart depth of False Creek above the Granville Bridge is 4 to 7 metes; very protected. Probably mud bottom.

Look at you studying up on my backyard

You are correct, it is a very good anchorage which is why it is filled with boats in the summer and a fair number across the winter as well. It was even more crowded when the squatters left their derelicts in there for months at a time but we finally took care of that.

As sheltered as it is, the locals on here will know the wind in the summer typically blows in from the northwest, which is pretty much directly into False Creek. Ralph, you'd be surprised at the gusts you can get in here sometime. That said, this boat clearly wasn't anchored well or had a ground tackle failure and was probably too close to shore as well. Plus as someone said, those cats have a lot of windage right?

The coast guard has been cruising around all morning checking up on all the boats.

 

[Kings Gambit]

I've done a lot of chartering out of Granville Island; the latest last year. Vancouver to Nanaimo to Ganges Harbor to Wallace Island; out Porlier Pass across the Strait in 25 kt SE wind to Howe Sound [Port Graves(?) Gambier Island], & return to Vancouver.

 

[YVRguy]

I've done a lot of chartering out of Granville Island; the latest last year. Vancouver to Nanaimo to Ganges Harbor to Wallace Island; out Porlier Pass across the Strait in 25 kt SE wind to Howe Sound [Port Graves(?) Gambier Island], & return to Vancouver.

Nice! Hitting all the good spots. Port Graves is my favourite

 

[Dean_Wilson]

...... It was even more crowded when the squatters left their derelicts in there for months at a time but we finally took care of that.......

How was that dealt with ?

Dean

 

[Jalepeno]

http://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/anchoring.aspx

 

[YVRguy]

...... It was even more crowded when the squatters left their derelicts in there for months at a time but we finally took care of that.......

How was that dealt with ?

Dean

I believe the problem was one of jurisdiction between the city and the Canadian govt. From what I understand it took a long time for the two to figure out "who's on first" but when they did they were able to clear them out and enforce a permit policy.

A lot of those boats are now anchored outside False Creek near Kits beach where it is much less protected. As a result one of them will often end up on the beach after a big blow.

There is a similar problem in other anchorages around the province such as Silva bay on Gabriola Island and Telegraph Harbour on Thetis Island.