You and the family have had a nice long sail. You pull into your favorite anchorage early and there'a plenty of room to put down the hook. As the evening wears on, more and more boats head into the anchorage. And a few of them are just too close for comfort. If the wind increases you will not be able to let out any more scope safely. In fact, you may be bumping in the night. If the wind shifts, will the anchors on the nearby boats hold or will they drag toward you? Have you ever found yourself in this position? If so, how have you handled it? Do you believe that since you were first into the anchorage that the other boats should move? Or is it easier to just up-anchor and move yourself? Tell us about your experience at anchor and then take the Quick Quiz on the homepage. (Discussion tiopic and quiz by Warren Milberg)
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bumping in the night
I beleive in the saying last in -first out. I pay particular attention to anchoring,and always get in early,and pay out plenty for rode for a 7-1 scope and also use a kellet. I would appreciate if a neighbouring boat told me I was to close so I have no problem telling a late comer they are to close for all conditions. Hence last in first out.
I beleive in the saying last in -first out. I pay particular attention to anchoring,and always get in early,and pay out plenty for rode for a 7-1 scope and also use a kellet. I would appreciate if a neighbouring boat told me I was to close so I have no problem telling a late comer they are to close for all conditions. Hence last in first out.
The response varies...
Usually, after the anchor settles in and their boat comes to it's anchor spot they realise that they are too close and they move. If they don't, I get their attention before it gets too dark or crowded for them to move and express my concern. They usually agree and move. On the few times that they steadfast in their position, I move.
Usually, after the anchor settles in and their boat comes to it's anchor spot they realise that they are too close and they move. If they don't, I get their attention before it gets too dark or crowded for them to move and express my concern. They usually agree and move. On the few times that they steadfast in their position, I move.
I am frequently amazed
that other boats will crowd you even in an anchorage that offers lots of other choices for boats coming in after you set the hook. It's like they must think since you chose this spot it must be the best spot and so they, too, will choose it. Most of the time, just giving the offending captain a few "hard" looks, he'll get the message and move on his own. Only now and then have I been faced with some jerk who either can't figure out that he's too close or too lazy to move. In those cases, I move. But I somehow always make it clear to the offending skipper that I'm moving because of him.
that other boats will crowd you even in an anchorage that offers lots of other choices for boats coming in after you set the hook. It's like they must think since you chose this spot it must be the best spot and so they, too, will choose it. Most of the time, just giving the offending captain a few "hard" looks, he'll get the message and move on his own. Only now and then have I been faced with some jerk who either can't figure out that he's too close or too lazy to move. In those cases, I move. But I somehow always make it clear to the offending skipper that I'm moving because of him.
Dancing...
On one occasion, when we were on a lunch hook in Niantic Bay, I asked a power boat who was getting ready to anchor right upwind if he would mind moving over, which he cheerfully did. On another occasion, a friend and I had anchored behind Charles Island and settled in when several boats loaded with teeners anchored loudly near me, whereupon I up-anchored and moved away. In the morning, while they were all sleeping on deck, I was SO tempted to grab my air horn and shout "Reveille, reveielle, all hands on deck!" as I left, but I didn't. Whether they were just rude, arrogant or ignorant, that time it was better to remove myself. Bill Coxe, O28 (So VERY avail)/O40, New London, CT
On one occasion, when we were on a lunch hook in Niantic Bay, I asked a power boat who was getting ready to anchor right upwind if he would mind moving over, which he cheerfully did. On another occasion, a friend and I had anchored behind Charles Island and settled in when several boats loaded with teeners anchored loudly near me, whereupon I up-anchored and moved away. In the morning, while they were all sleeping on deck, I was SO tempted to grab my air horn and shout "Reveille, reveielle, all hands on deck!" as I left, but I didn't. Whether they were just rude, arrogant or ignorant, that time it was better to remove myself. Bill Coxe, O28 (So VERY avail)/O40, New London, CT
Anchoring
Whip out the camera, take a few pics of them making sure they notice, and tell them that "the pics are for my insurance company" and if they don't take that hint hang out fenders.
Whip out the camera, take a few pics of them making sure they notice, and tell them that "the pics are for my insurance company" and if they don't take that hint hang out fenders.
Night manuvers
One time we had some power boaters that were too close, and were running their genset seemingly 7*24. In addition, let's say that they did not do the best job of securing their vessels. This is in a small quiet harbor. At night we did some manuvers, when the bower boaters woke up, they could not figure out how their boats (just 1 out of 5) got re-arranged. We had a great time, made us feel like navy Seals... Name and port witheld, based on the 5th amendment.
One time we had some power boaters that were too close, and were running their genset seemingly 7*24. In addition, let's say that they did not do the best job of securing their vessels. This is in a small quiet harbor. At night we did some manuvers, when the bower boaters woke up, they could not figure out how their boats (just 1 out of 5) got re-arranged. We had a great time, made us feel like navy Seals... Name and port witheld, based on the 5th amendment.
Anchoring
For the loud boats and those that anchor too close, and don't respond to suggestions to amend their ways I keep modeling clay on board. After dark I swim over and plug up their engine water intake fittings then enjoy the show in the morning.
For the loud boats and those that anchor too close, and don't respond to suggestions to amend their ways I keep modeling clay on board. After dark I swim over and plug up their engine water intake fittings then enjoy the show in the morning.
It Depends
If it's only one boat and they anchor very close, I'd say something to them, preferably while they're anchoring. If it's a matter of the anchorage becoming too crowded with several boats too close, I'd move.
If it's only one boat and they anchor very close, I'd say something to them, preferably while they're anchoring. If it's a matter of the anchorage becoming too crowded with several boats too close, I'd move.
How Much Space??
The worst we have ever had was some young men skiing around our anchored boat. This was in April 2006 in Ingram's Bayou which is off the ICW between Pensacola and Mobile. Two boats ,one ran around us for about an hour then they left. The dolphins and birds returned and it was turning into a great late afternnon when the other boat arrived and skied around us until dark. Ingram's Bayou is a fairly tight space and I think it is even a wildlife sanctuary but for whatever reason these young people like to hang out there and ski and drink. It is a beautiful place but when you are skiing more open water would seem better. It was windy so maybe they were just hiding from the waves out in the ICW. We like isolation and have been unhappy when another boat came in and shared a large area. We have also noticed unhappy people when we arrived late and motored around looking for a place to anchor. If we have a choice we anchor as far as practical from other boats. We especially hate those people that want air conditioning and run generators all night. But remember that in some areas there are not many choices of places to anchor. If it is getting close to dark and the choice is to anchor a little close or be out looking for a place to anchor after dark I'll get a little close. This is especially true if storms or winds are forcast and we need a secure place for the night. I don't know whih is worse, to arrive early and have the place to yourself for a little while and then watch it fill up or to arrive late and be one of the hated people looking for a place to drop the hook. Most of us have probably been in both circumstances.
The worst we have ever had was some young men skiing around our anchored boat. This was in April 2006 in Ingram's Bayou which is off the ICW between Pensacola and Mobile. Two boats ,one ran around us for about an hour then they left. The dolphins and birds returned and it was turning into a great late afternnon when the other boat arrived and skied around us until dark. Ingram's Bayou is a fairly tight space and I think it is even a wildlife sanctuary but for whatever reason these young people like to hang out there and ski and drink. It is a beautiful place but when you are skiing more open water would seem better. It was windy so maybe they were just hiding from the waves out in the ICW. We like isolation and have been unhappy when another boat came in and shared a large area. We have also noticed unhappy people when we arrived late and motored around looking for a place to anchor. If we have a choice we anchor as far as practical from other boats. We especially hate those people that want air conditioning and run generators all night. But remember that in some areas there are not many choices of places to anchor. If it is getting close to dark and the choice is to anchor a little close or be out looking for a place to anchor after dark I'll get a little close. This is especially true if storms or winds are forcast and we need a secure place for the night. I don't know whih is worse, to arrive early and have the place to yourself for a little while and then watch it fill up or to arrive late and be one of the hated people looking for a place to drop the hook. Most of us have probably been in both circumstances.
Parking at Walmart
Some, usually newbies, think they're parking a car and it won't move so they can anchor real close. Some will respond to suggestions, others take affront no matter how nicely you speak to them and get stubborn. It's especially bad where there are strong tidal streams which often oppose the wind. You need even more separation then. I once spoke to a boat that swung on top of me that he was too close. His reply was that I should have told him earlier when he first anchored because it was now getting dark! Another time a boat anchored 15 feet from me at Wrightsville Beach, a spot where the boats always go every which way. When I suggested she was too close she said that there were no more spots left and she was going to stay. I finally had to help her move her boat to another spot. The best are the ones that come in, drop the hook and then take off in their dink before the boat has even settled. Ok, my rants over, but why does it always have to happen to me?
Some, usually newbies, think they're parking a car and it won't move so they can anchor real close. Some will respond to suggestions, others take affront no matter how nicely you speak to them and get stubborn. It's especially bad where there are strong tidal streams which often oppose the wind. You need even more separation then. I once spoke to a boat that swung on top of me that he was too close. His reply was that I should have told him earlier when he first anchored because it was now getting dark! Another time a boat anchored 15 feet from me at Wrightsville Beach, a spot where the boats always go every which way. When I suggested she was too close she said that there were no more spots left and she was going to stay. I finally had to help her move her boat to another spot. The best are the ones that come in, drop the hook and then take off in their dink before the boat has even settled. Ok, my rants over, but why does it always have to happen to me?
A better half solution
Bernadette Berman wrote a funny article about this a few years ago. Basicly, her husband Doug's approach was to stand on the bow with fist firmly on hips staring at the offending boat. Sucess rate was about 20%, if I emember correctly. Her method, was to politly call over to the other boat telling them that they had 200 feet of rode out and that there boat sail about the anchor quite a bit and that they were not all that sure about the holding power of the bottome. Success rate = 100%. Sometimes there is a reason la commadora outranks the el captain.
Bernadette Berman wrote a funny article about this a few years ago. Basicly, her husband Doug's approach was to stand on the bow with fist firmly on hips staring at the offending boat. Sucess rate was about 20%, if I emember correctly. Her method, was to politly call over to the other boat telling them that they had 200 feet of rode out and that there boat sail about the anchor quite a bit and that they were not all that sure about the holding power of the bottome. Success rate = 100%. Sometimes there is a reason la commadora outranks the el captain.
Pit Bull Mentality
Wow some people really defend their space!!! Especially the guy that feels justified in the vandalism of offending boats... One last thought from me about boats getting too close. Usually all you see is the surface of the water but along the gulf coast there may be a lot of 2' deep water surrounding a little patch of water greater than 6'. I guess that I've been very lucky or I am very tolerant because most everyone that I've met on the water has been nice. Hopefully I'll never meet someone who would vandalise my boat because they felt that I was in their space.... Now that I've said that next time out I'll meet a real a$$hole that shoots me for sharing "his Cove" or wants to anchor close enough to require fenders. Wonder how all those landowners feel when boats anchor in their cove and spoil the view. This is a very overcrowded planet there are people almost everywhere and everyones personal space is shrinking...fast. I am tolerant but I think that I would shoot someone if I caught them tampering with my boat during the night. Imagine losing your boat because someone plugged up your cooling system or you drug your anchor because someone was playing with it during the night!!!! Justifiable homicide... Imagine telling a judge that you vandalised a boat causing property damage ...loss of life because they didn't respect your 200yd personal space.
Wow some people really defend their space!!! Especially the guy that feels justified in the vandalism of offending boats... One last thought from me about boats getting too close. Usually all you see is the surface of the water but along the gulf coast there may be a lot of 2' deep water surrounding a little patch of water greater than 6'. I guess that I've been very lucky or I am very tolerant because most everyone that I've met on the water has been nice. Hopefully I'll never meet someone who would vandalise my boat because they felt that I was in their space.... Now that I've said that next time out I'll meet a real a$$hole that shoots me for sharing "his Cove" or wants to anchor close enough to require fenders. Wonder how all those landowners feel when boats anchor in their cove and spoil the view. This is a very overcrowded planet there are people almost everywhere and everyones personal space is shrinking...fast. I am tolerant but I think that I would shoot someone if I caught them tampering with my boat during the night. Imagine losing your boat because someone plugged up your cooling system or you drug your anchor because someone was playing with it during the night!!!! Justifiable homicide... Imagine telling a judge that you vandalised a boat causing property damage ...loss of life because they didn't respect your 200yd personal space.
Priority is to boat(s) anchored first
The absolute rule for all cruisers is clear: you must anchor so that you stay clear of all boats already moored in any reasonably expected weather. The only exception is if there is no room left and one boat accepts your rafting with her. But you remain responsible for the raft to stay clear of all other boats anchored/moored before you. I have asked politely the incoming boat to move until satisfied there is no more menace or I was overly conservative. I have been asked (not always politely) to move, and did unless I could promptly satisfy the requesting party. The rule is absolutely absolute.
The absolute rule for all cruisers is clear: you must anchor so that you stay clear of all boats already moored in any reasonably expected weather. The only exception is if there is no room left and one boat accepts your rafting with her. But you remain responsible for the raft to stay clear of all other boats anchored/moored before you. I have asked politely the incoming boat to move until satisfied there is no more menace or I was overly conservative. I have been asked (not always politely) to move, and did unless I could promptly satisfy the requesting party. The rule is absolutely absolute.
Making your point the hard way!
I like nosocks solution. Get the women involved and NO guy is going to sit there all night and listen to the "are you REALLY sure we are ok? They said......" A truly elegant solution. Now the navy SEAL solution is a solution but only after the fact. You may still have a banged up boat in the morning. But you do get a testostron rush!
I like nosocks solution. Get the women involved and NO guy is going to sit there all night and listen to the "are you REALLY sure we are ok? They said......" A truly elegant solution. Now the navy SEAL solution is a solution but only after the fact. You may still have a banged up boat in the morning. But you do get a testostron rush!
Sailors on the hook
i've sailed for about seven years and have yet to see another sailor drop the hook so close that it would endanger our precious Luck Star. I am sorry to say that I have had, on a few occasions had power boaters start to drop the hook over my rode or way too close for comfort. Most of the time they were too drunk at the time to try to reason with soI'd pull anchor ahn move.
i've sailed for about seven years and have yet to see another sailor drop the hook so close that it would endanger our precious Luck Star. I am sorry to say that I have had, on a few occasions had power boaters start to drop the hook over my rode or way too close for comfort. Most of the time they were too drunk at the time to try to reason with soI'd pull anchor ahn move.
anchor blues
I've done plenty of anchoring over 25 years of sailing and it's mostly power boats that cause the problems. I've had them drift down on me when the professional captain was gone and break my bow light and have had plenty of late-night scrambles. In one of our favorite spots, the Lido anchorage in Newport, boats will often try to anchor upwind of me when I'm in the windward corner and there's plenty of space left downwind. On Memorial Day weekend I had to ask three boat to move and I always do it as soon as it's apparent they're getting ready to drop a hook. If they don't want to move, I get the Harbor Patrol involved. When a guy in a uniform, carrying a gun says he thinks it would be a bad idea to anchor there, people go somewhere else.
I've done plenty of anchoring over 25 years of sailing and it's mostly power boats that cause the problems. I've had them drift down on me when the professional captain was gone and break my bow light and have had plenty of late-night scrambles. In one of our favorite spots, the Lido anchorage in Newport, boats will often try to anchor upwind of me when I'm in the windward corner and there's plenty of space left downwind. On Memorial Day weekend I had to ask three boat to move and I always do it as soon as it's apparent they're getting ready to drop a hook. If they don't want to move, I get the Harbor Patrol involved. When a guy in a uniform, carrying a gun says he thinks it would be a bad idea to anchor there, people go somewhere else.
Preaching to the Choir
If you have to sabotage boats, or move them by stealth after dark, it might be that your communication skills are lacking. WE all know what to do (some of us apparently don't know what NOT to do). It's those OTHER people, the ones not reading this board, who are the problem. Suggesting a new arrival move, while giving reasons he can use to make the decision "his" is the best practice, but there is no guarantee he will be as courteous a yachtsman as you are. I hate the idea of arriving first, then having to move, but if it's settled weather, it's likely the most prudent thing to do, and it does leave a message of disapproval. But if available space is limited and it's snotty outside, pulling up your hook may just put you in a worse situation, with no real place to go. Then my answer is to lose a little sleep, get up a few times, and check both my anchor and the boats around me (I do this anyway, most of the time: I just don't trust my anchor to stay set when the boat swings around past about 120°). While not all powerboaters need be condemned, it is often the weekend warrior in his Bayliner who is the clueless skipper. What I hate is arriving at dusk fourth or fifth with room left, then discerning that everyone else is lying to short scope: makes me edgy. If I match their swinging circles, I don't trust my anchor; if I let out more until I can sleep, I can't sleep, because I quite possibly will swing into one of them. If I anchor off, I'm exposed. Anyone use anchor buoys to let everyone else know where your hook is? Seems a hassle, but could help the less experienced/courteous buy a vowel.
If you have to sabotage boats, or move them by stealth after dark, it might be that your communication skills are lacking. WE all know what to do (some of us apparently don't know what NOT to do). It's those OTHER people, the ones not reading this board, who are the problem. Suggesting a new arrival move, while giving reasons he can use to make the decision "his" is the best practice, but there is no guarantee he will be as courteous a yachtsman as you are. I hate the idea of arriving first, then having to move, but if it's settled weather, it's likely the most prudent thing to do, and it does leave a message of disapproval. But if available space is limited and it's snotty outside, pulling up your hook may just put you in a worse situation, with no real place to go. Then my answer is to lose a little sleep, get up a few times, and check both my anchor and the boats around me (I do this anyway, most of the time: I just don't trust my anchor to stay set when the boat swings around past about 120°). While not all powerboaters need be condemned, it is often the weekend warrior in his Bayliner who is the clueless skipper. What I hate is arriving at dusk fourth or fifth with room left, then discerning that everyone else is lying to short scope: makes me edgy. If I match their swinging circles, I don't trust my anchor; if I let out more until I can sleep, I can't sleep, because I quite possibly will swing into one of them. If I anchor off, I'm exposed. Anyone use anchor buoys to let everyone else know where your hook is? Seems a hassle, but could help the less experienced/courteous buy a vowel.
Holiday Fun Ahead!
Looking for an anchorage to view the fire works on the 4th? Do you find you niche early and prepare to see others move in on you, or do you show up well after dinner as it's just getting dark and hope there's still room for you? Many of the best overnight spots are famous for soft bottom holding and wind and tide shifts. The holidays are famous for seeing newbies running aground or dragging anchor as awell as big party raft-ups. Hope we can all show up the next day and have only funny stories to tell afterwards.
Looking for an anchorage to view the fire works on the 4th? Do you find you niche early and prepare to see others move in on you, or do you show up well after dinner as it's just getting dark and hope there's still room for you? Many of the best overnight spots are famous for soft bottom holding and wind and tide shifts. The holidays are famous for seeing newbies running aground or dragging anchor as awell as big party raft-ups. Hope we can all show up the next day and have only funny stories to tell afterwards.
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