That reminds me of last years anchor debacle..
We took the little boat out without checking weather. Here in Florida in the summer, it changes hourly, so I figured we'd handle whatever came- it would blow through quickly, right? We had gotten out about a mile when the admiral notes low dark clouds coming in a hurry, and they look angry. Losing my nerve, I start the outboard and head back to the marina. Just before I get to the stone breakwater, the engine dies. Wind howling, raining buckets, and we're heading toward the rocks with no power. I had 2 anchors in the aft locker and, worried I didn't have time to go forward, I tied off to the aft cleats and went in the cabin.For twenty minutes, it rained like Noah. The waves were breaking OVER the motor, and eventually, the hooks began to move. I had no choice but to try to get the engine going before we hit the rocks. I'll never forget the feeling of the cold rain pelting me while the 85 degree water washed over me, warming me at the same time. Somehow the engine started. I pulled in one anchor, but couldn't budge the other line, so as I turned the boat into the weather I cut the 2nd anchor loose. We missed the rocks by no more than twenty feet and as we get into the protected marina, the CG comes roaring up behind to see if we need help. I now keep the main anchor on a bracket on the pulpit. To this day, I still believe that if I had gone forward to tie off, the anchor might not have set before we hit the rocks, but I can tell ya, this boat wasn't designed to take that weather by anything other than the bow. We later found out it was a heel of a storm, with waterspouts and all. It wasn't until this year the admiral would get on this boat again..Moral of the story- I keep my anchor ready and able!Cup