What constitutes an anchorage...and can I anchor elsewhere ?

[Jackdaw]

Q38, I would clarify that to say that I am anchoring close to shore, in 10 feet of water. Not a lot of room for boats between me and the shore (although 1 power boat pulling a skier sped by on the shore side).

Here is a shot from the beach.
View attachment 127974

Shemandr, I run an anchor light at the top of my mast all night, but I don't put out a day shape during the daylight hours. And I stay clear of channels, other congested areas.

Thanks for the confirmation.

Greg

You're fine. This type of 'anchorage' is very common on the Great Lakes, where there is ofen only one sided coverage. Pulling up close to shore on the sandy bottom is very common; you just have to be (as you already mentioned) very close to the weather forecast, and watch out fo changing conditions. A big swing will have you on the Lee shore.

 

[Richard19068]

maybe this will help

You definitely want to know the configuration for the Minesweeper.

 

[Tally Ho]

You definitely want to know the configuration for the Minesweeper.

I should get one of those....keep the +%#{[~>> power boaters away when I am at anchor....
Of course, they would not recognize it (nor would I).

Greg

 

[heritage]

A few years ago, they were ticketing boaters that didn't display an anchor light in Marathon's boot key mooring field and Key West's city mooring field.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

A few years ago, they were ticketing boaters that didn't display an anchor light in Marathon's boot key mooring field and Key West's city mooring field.

Good to know. Last I was in Boot Key was 2011. Moorings were totally impossible to get- over 450 boats in the harbor in December

 

[Gunni]

It is all about risk management. That could be a lee shore, but you knew it would not be that night and you got a beautiful anchorage to yourself! Reading the weather is yet another skill of the proficient sailboater. Anchor light: Your masthead light will make you regulatory compliant, a deck level light will make sure you are seen. Have to manage the clueless mobos too.

 

[Benny17441]

Man, I mostly care about conditions and location to keep the mosquitoes away.

 

[Tally Ho]

It is all about risk management. That could be a lee shore, but you knew it would not be that night and you got a beautiful anchorage to yourself! Reading the weather is yet another skill of the proficient sailboater. Anchor light: Your masthead light will make you regulatory compliant, a deck level light will make sure you are seen. Have to manage the clueless mobos too.

I heard a few fishing boats making their way back to their home port just after dark...made sure I had a flashlight in hand and went on deck to make sure they knew where I was.
Greg