I was coming to the marina a couple of years ago and there was a boat sideways near the breakwater conducting a Peking Firedrill. This is where crew are frantically running about the deck with their hair on fire while the skipper gestures wildly. We slowed to see if assistance was necessary and noticed that the sails were scattered about the deck and an effort was underway to get the halyards attached and sails up. Got the skips attention and asked if he was OK (he was not), said his engine had died going out and could we give him a tow. The answer was no, the quarters were too close to maneuver a tow but I did not want to say that to a panicked crew. "Toss your anchor", I said. His face lit up with the concept. He ran forward, pulled the headsail aside and released his anchor. We were in 7 feet of water and luckily he had a good anchor at the ready, it bit right away and he pulled it to his bow cleat. The boat swung to the anchor and about 90% of the drama ended.
They were still in the middle of a busy thorofare so we backed down and stood off their windward bow. The crew busied themselves with picking up the sails and I got on Ch16 to Securite the breakdown. The skipper came to the bow and we discussed the situation. He was safe for now but he needed a tow. I told I could not help him but that the marina fuel dock crew could. He hailed the fuel dock and when they responded we pulled off and went in . 10 minutes later or so he was being pushed to the fuel dock by the quarter and was home safe.
In a lee-shore FUBAR situation evaluate your options carefully. Your ground tackle may just be your best option to avoid disaster. Get yourself stopped up and buy some time to sort out what your options are. Maybe you sail off, maybe you get the motor started, maybe you get a tow. But you need a good anchor, properly configured and at the ready. Consider it one of your most important safety items. Carry two.
