Any suggestions on anchoring when sailing solo??

[Scott B]

This thread is now my go-to reference for anchoring. Thanks guys.

Scott B - what is your primary or favourite anchor for the Georgian Bay area?

When we bought the boat it had a small danforth, as the previous owner was in Toronto and did not anchor out. I bought new chain, rode and Rocna anchor after a lot of searching on the sailing forums. 3 seasons and over 80 nights, I've been very happy with the anchor.

 

[Warren Milberg]

I think Napa Ed has it about right for this type of boat and where it is sailed/anchored. When I owned and cruised a 24-footer, that didn't have an anchor well on the foredeck and I never liked hanging the anchor off the pulpit ( whole other story), I mostly anchored off the stern and then brought the rode forward. The key to me was surveying the spot where I wanted the boat to end up after the "right" scope was put out. I would pick that spot, sail downwind of it, and drop the hook off the stern, paying out about 30 feet of rode. I could set the anchor while under sail using the main alone. I'd then walk the rode to a bow cleat, swing the boat into the wind and drop the sail. Pay out the needed rode. It was a great feeling to be able to anchor under sail. Also felt great to do the reverse: put up the main, pull up the anchor, and sail away without ever using the motor. Try it -- you'll like it.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Beg to differ

On our Catalina 22 we did a lot of anchoring up at the lake every summer 'cuz you couldn't stay on your boat overnight in the small marina. We had a Danforth on the pulpit with a hawsepipe into the chain locker (i.e., no anchor locker).

I believe one of the earlier replies indicated that one skipper noted that pulling the line around after anchoring at the stern caused him physical agony. In light winds that could be not an issue, but in heavier conditions, unless properly led and arranged could be an issue.

Anyway, we always anchored from the bow, because that's where the anchor was! After trying the stern system quite a few times since it seemed so "logical", based on Patrick Royce's great book, Sailing Illustrated, we opted for the bow.

I think everyone with a 22 to 24 foot boat should buy or at least read this book. Even hermit!!! It's got great historical information, and is fun because of the way the stories are presented. It's a bit "disorganized' but that's what makes it so much fun. It was one of the only 'beginner" books when I was starting out (after years between lake sailing as a kid and sailing here), and we still have our black print copy (they print in blue print now to minimize "infringement by xerox"). If not, then get Sailing for Dummies.

I think I'd add one thing to your post, Warren, to perhaps make your point of view clearer, after "(whole other story)" there's a missing part: You didn't have your anchor at the bow, so you had it in a locker at the stern with a line ready to go all the time.

 

[Don12364]

My Way

Prepare in advance.
Before having a boat with a windlass, on approaching the anchorage I used to dangle the anchor short up from the bow roller and bring the rode back along the deck and take two turns round a genoa winch. Then, after estimating how much rode was needed, I used to lay the remainder back along the deck and make it fast on the bow cleat.
Arriving at the chosen site I got the boat moving gently astern and then just released the rode from the winch. Friction along the deck meant it did not all go with a rush and when the anchor set the boat came to a stop with quite a jolt. As the boat was already moving astern it did not pile up on top of the anchor.
Job done.
Worked every time.