You quit sailing mid afternoon and find a really good anchorage. Well protected, the right depth, good bottom, plenty of swing room, so you settle in for the night. About 1900 another boater wanders in to what is now a full anchorage and drops the hook upwind of you, and in your space. They either cheat on scope so they can fit, or risking overnight 'bumper boats' if there's a wind shift. What do you do? Do you go over in the dinghy and express your concerns or demand that he find another spot? Do you put out fenders to protect your boat against the possibility of an unexpected meeting in the night? Or do you keep quiet and hope for the best? Share your thoughts and experiences here then vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz contributed by Gary Wyngarden)
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pirate45
so they wont move?
well if they wont move, and the anchorage isnt crowded, wait till bout 2 am. put your 18volt drill in a plastic bag with a 2 inch hole saw and ... or if it too late probably move myself to a move private place, and if they followed me? well get the drill out and........
well if they wont move, and the anchorage isnt crowded, wait till bout 2 am. put your 18volt drill in a plastic bag with a 2 inch hole saw and ... or if it too late probably move myself to a move private place, and if they followed me? well get the drill out and........
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jeff mckinley
checkj the manual
in response to someone horning in on your mooring,if you have a dinghy, get some exercise and row over there and explain gently to them that you,re afraid your boat will jam their boat when the wind shifts. you may have to repeat yourself.they'll move. if youre like me in a 22' weekender without a dinghy,use a megaphone. i,m kidding about the megaphone. funny thing is i was in the opposite situation on an overnighter when i crowded someone novice-wise. somehow i awoke and went outside to find my boat perilously close to a large motorcruiser. i had to fend off their boatwithout waking them, lift anchor and motor away. there should be no gray social area about whether or not mooring mashers should be informed. whats the name of the boating manual that illustrates how vessels swing in circles when moored?
in response to someone horning in on your mooring,if you have a dinghy, get some exercise and row over there and explain gently to them that you,re afraid your boat will jam their boat when the wind shifts. you may have to repeat yourself.they'll move. if youre like me in a 22' weekender without a dinghy,use a megaphone. i,m kidding about the megaphone. funny thing is i was in the opposite situation on an overnighter when i crowded someone novice-wise. somehow i awoke and went outside to find my boat perilously close to a large motorcruiser. i had to fend off their boatwithout waking them, lift anchor and motor away. there should be no gray social area about whether or not mooring mashers should be informed. whats the name of the boating manual that illustrates how vessels swing in circles when moored?
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Steve Ray
Tight Squeezes in open areas
As everyone knows who owns a boat, there are dangers on the waters. Not only from underwater obstuctions, shoals or even jetties, it's other boat owners! The resonsible captain will asses every situation from anchoring to overtaking another vessel. This also includes anchoring especially when it's a "tight squeeze". With the proper amount of rode out, the vessel should have enough room to swing with the tide without endangering other vessels. If one persist to try and anchor still, a word of caution to the skipper is always a way to express concern and remind him or her of the reponsibility of their own actions. If the skipper shows irrsponsibility and continues, it may also be advisible to move your own vessel. If the skipper shows disregard for for his or her own safety, why would they care about your safety? The water can be a special place and a safe place, as long as one doesn't become complacent. It's as I say "some people just shouldn't own boats".
As everyone knows who owns a boat, there are dangers on the waters. Not only from underwater obstuctions, shoals or even jetties, it's other boat owners! The resonsible captain will asses every situation from anchoring to overtaking another vessel. This also includes anchoring especially when it's a "tight squeeze". With the proper amount of rode out, the vessel should have enough room to swing with the tide without endangering other vessels. If one persist to try and anchor still, a word of caution to the skipper is always a way to express concern and remind him or her of the reponsibility of their own actions. If the skipper shows irrsponsibility and continues, it may also be advisible to move your own vessel. If the skipper shows disregard for for his or her own safety, why would they care about your safety? The water can be a special place and a safe place, as long as one doesn't become complacent. It's as I say "some people just shouldn't own boats".
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Bob Todd
Not to start a war or anything...
...but I only ever once had to ask another sailor to reconsider his position and he very nicely and readily agreed. My biggest problem has been with power boaters. They (most of them, anyway) seem to think that they can drop the hook anywhere they feel like it. Some have begrudgingly agreed to move after considerable discussion but, in most cases, I end up moving. Cheers, Bob
...but I only ever once had to ask another sailor to reconsider his position and he very nicely and readily agreed. My biggest problem has been with power boaters. They (most of them, anyway) seem to think that they can drop the hook anywhere they feel like it. Some have begrudgingly agreed to move after considerable discussion but, in most cases, I end up moving. Cheers, Bob
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Sailor
Expressing concern
Certainly express concern for the safety of their boat as well as your own. Mostly they apologize for overlooking the situation. Sometimes, you have to take action for your boat's safety. Cabo San Lucas was an extreme example of what happens when the rules are ignored and a storm comes up.
Certainly express concern for the safety of their boat as well as your own. Mostly they apologize for overlooking the situation. Sometimes, you have to take action for your boat's safety. Cabo San Lucas was an extreme example of what happens when the rules are ignored and a storm comes up.
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paul waser
call to attention
It is always better to ere in caution rather than sulk down below and think ya shudda said something. so be proactive, open the debate and the boats and you will feel much better.
It is always better to ere in caution rather than sulk down below and think ya shudda said something. so be proactive, open the debate and the boats and you will feel much better.
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Charles
scuba gear and plastiques
Ask once nicely and if that doesnt work slip into the water at dusk and plant a dummy mine on thier hull. Then move your boat a safe distance away. Dial 911 and tell them you saw a terrorist with a sack enter the water and swim to that vessel. Sit back and enjoy the activities. They may get the idea they are not welcomed after that. If they still dont move replace dummy mine with real mine
Ask once nicely and if that doesnt work slip into the water at dusk and plant a dummy mine on thier hull. Then move your boat a safe distance away. Dial 911 and tell them you saw a terrorist with a sack enter the water and swim to that vessel. Sit back and enjoy the activities. They may get the idea they are not welcomed after that. If they still dont move replace dummy mine with real mine
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jack dennison
the other side of the anchorage story
I have had the opposite experience where I anchored carefully, making sure that there was more than ample room between my gulfstar and all neighbouring boats, even allowing for a complete wind shift, only to have a neighbouring captain be totally unreasonable and insist that I move my boat??????I was not impressed!!!!!!
I have had the opposite experience where I anchored carefully, making sure that there was more than ample room between my gulfstar and all neighbouring boats, even allowing for a complete wind shift, only to have a neighbouring captain be totally unreasonable and insist that I move my boat??????I was not impressed!!!!!!
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Dave Kurth
Things that go "Bump" in the night
Although you may have claimed your "space" first, the water is there for all. If some unconscious "rube" drops his hook within your space, you should do whatever you must to protect your boat, put out fenders or move. If the "rube" isn't smart enough to realize the problem he has caused, asking or telling him to move probably won't make him any smarter and if it's your misfortune to be up against one of those "macho" sailors, you could end up getting more damaged than just your boat or pride.
Although you may have claimed your "space" first, the water is there for all. If some unconscious "rube" drops his hook within your space, you should do whatever you must to protect your boat, put out fenders or move. If the "rube" isn't smart enough to realize the problem he has caused, asking or telling him to move probably won't make him any smarter and if it's your misfortune to be up against one of those "macho" sailors, you could end up getting more damaged than just your boat or pride.
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BILL ROBB
A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE IS ALWAYS APPRECIATED
On the few occasions when I've been in this situation I always received kind words of thanks and appreciation when I showed them how the boat could swing around on a wind shift. They've always graciously accepted the instruction. Bill on STARGAZER
On the few occasions when I've been in this situation I always received kind words of thanks and appreciation when I showed them how the boat could swing around on a wind shift. They've always graciously accepted the instruction. Bill on STARGAZER
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Sid
anchorage
FROM MY EXPERIENCE, YOU ADDRESS THE PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY AND ADVISE THE OTHER BOAT THAT HE IS RESPONSIBLE BOTH LEGALLY AND MORALLY FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR BOAT AND CREW. DO THIS IN A POLITE MANNER AND IF HE DOSEN'T MOVE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM, YOU MAY HAVE TO TAKE OTHER MEASURES.
FROM MY EXPERIENCE, YOU ADDRESS THE PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY AND ADVISE THE OTHER BOAT THAT HE IS RESPONSIBLE BOTH LEGALLY AND MORALLY FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR BOAT AND CREW. DO THIS IN A POLITE MANNER AND IF HE DOSEN'T MOVE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM, YOU MAY HAVE TO TAKE OTHER MEASURES.
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Peter Brennan
Preempt!
There is a two-flag signal (maybe even a one flag -- code book not to hand). As soon as you drop the hook, run up the flags Q and T. It means "Do not anchor here. You will foul my anchor." The other guy can't read the signal? Tough! Whether he can read it or not, you have warned him and have a legal leg to stand on. However, except with certain stinkpotters, I have always found a gentle word to suffice. After all, we have all been there. There has been many a time when the anchor seemed to go down in the right spot but was some ways off when it finally dug in. Nothing for it but to yank it up and try again. That's when the electric windlass really justifies itself.
There is a two-flag signal (maybe even a one flag -- code book not to hand). As soon as you drop the hook, run up the flags Q and T. It means "Do not anchor here. You will foul my anchor." The other guy can't read the signal? Tough! Whether he can read it or not, you have warned him and have a legal leg to stand on. However, except with certain stinkpotters, I have always found a gentle word to suffice. After all, we have all been there. There has been many a time when the anchor seemed to go down in the right spot but was some ways off when it finally dug in. Nothing for it but to yank it up and try again. That's when the electric windlass really justifies itself.
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Paul
I've been on both sides...
Many times I've pulled into an anchorage early in the day, found few boats there and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Later, as more boats arrived nearer to sundown and the anchorage began to fill up, I began to feel irritation at the boats anchoring closer and closer to me... Other times, I've come to an anchorage as darkness approached, bone tired. I've felt the glare of nearby boaters as I tucked my boat into a spot that others felt was their own personal space. They were the ones irritated this time, I was glad to be stopped, safe and on the hook. The best thing to do in either situation is to just relax! Just because you get there first doesn't mean you should spaz out when the population starts to rise. If you're truly afraid of bumping someone, hang every fender you have over the side. What's everyone else supposed to do, sail around in circles all night just so you can commune with nature? You can jabber at me all you want, if I decide I'm safely tucked in, there I'm gonna stay. If you don't like it, too bad. You can ruin your evening by getting angry, but you won't ruin mine. I'll be celebrating a solid set with my ceremonial Corona in the cockpit.
Many times I've pulled into an anchorage early in the day, found few boats there and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Later, as more boats arrived nearer to sundown and the anchorage began to fill up, I began to feel irritation at the boats anchoring closer and closer to me... Other times, I've come to an anchorage as darkness approached, bone tired. I've felt the glare of nearby boaters as I tucked my boat into a spot that others felt was their own personal space. They were the ones irritated this time, I was glad to be stopped, safe and on the hook. The best thing to do in either situation is to just relax! Just because you get there first doesn't mean you should spaz out when the population starts to rise. If you're truly afraid of bumping someone, hang every fender you have over the side. What's everyone else supposed to do, sail around in circles all night just so you can commune with nature? You can jabber at me all you want, if I decide I'm safely tucked in, there I'm gonna stay. If you don't like it, too bad. You can ruin your evening by getting angry, but you won't ruin mine. I'll be celebrating a solid set with my ceremonial Corona in the cockpit.
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Jim Gorman
The Crowded Anchorage
I use an anchor buoy,made from a bright orange 'orange juice' plastic jug, with enough scope that can be adjusted to depth at high tide. This goes overboard with the anchor and lies just above it on the surface. When lying to the wind or tide, it clearly marks the location of my anchor and, if necessary, I can call attention to it if someone tries to drop a hook too closely to me. With this highly visible marker in place, I have never had a problem with a late arrival.
I use an anchor buoy,made from a bright orange 'orange juice' plastic jug, with enough scope that can be adjusted to depth at high tide. This goes overboard with the anchor and lies just above it on the surface. When lying to the wind or tide, it clearly marks the location of my anchor and, if necessary, I can call attention to it if someone tries to drop a hook too closely to me. With this highly visible marker in place, I have never had a problem with a late arrival.
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Andy Howard
Both sides of the hook
We entered a very crowded Labor day anchorage, last year and found an "almost" suitable spot to drop the hook. I was able to talk to the skipper of the two boats closest to my intended site before anchoring. Finding out how much rode and what kind (rope vs chain) allowed me to squeeze in for the night. The situation was reversed recently with a boat anchoring quite close to mine. I suggested that we raft up for the night because we were going to end up like that before daybreak anyway. The guy gave me a puzzled response and I suggested he go listen to the weather forecast, they were predicting late afternoon thunder storms. He moved his boat a few minutes latter, right before I started to move mine. When I'm on the water, I consider myself responsible for everything, and "hoping for the best" is simply not an option. Sure there are plenty of morons,(replace with "powerboaters") out there, and I can try to explain, teach, and argue with them, and get to know their insurance adjusters, but ultimatly, "I am the captain of my fate". Gary- Great question! These situational ethics questions are making me do a lot of "what if" thinking.
We entered a very crowded Labor day anchorage, last year and found an "almost" suitable spot to drop the hook. I was able to talk to the skipper of the two boats closest to my intended site before anchoring. Finding out how much rode and what kind (rope vs chain) allowed me to squeeze in for the night. The situation was reversed recently with a boat anchoring quite close to mine. I suggested that we raft up for the night because we were going to end up like that before daybreak anyway. The guy gave me a puzzled response and I suggested he go listen to the weather forecast, they were predicting late afternoon thunder storms. He moved his boat a few minutes latter, right before I started to move mine. When I'm on the water, I consider myself responsible for everything, and "hoping for the best" is simply not an option. Sure there are plenty of morons,(replace with "powerboaters") out there, and I can try to explain, teach, and argue with them, and get to know their insurance adjusters, but ultimatly, "I am the captain of my fate". Gary- Great question! These situational ethics questions are making me do a lot of "what if" thinking.
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jim
anchoring too close
I would express my concerns and also put out bumpers incase the wind shifted, as well as maintaining a reasonable anchor watch during the night.
I would express my concerns and also put out bumpers incase the wind shifted, as well as maintaining a reasonable anchor watch during the night.
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Mike Dessoye
Sorry, Skipper
Had this happen at Yost Van Dyke, BVI a few years ago. I was setting a second anchor and politely pointed out to the 'Skipper' that he was a bit too close, the vagaries of backwinding at this anchorage, and the potential for a cloudburst that evening. His reply (gentleman had family with him) asked what State I was from. When I replied, he said 'that figures' but did deign to move to another crowded part of the anchorage. Later that evening we had a quick but fierce storm about 3am. I put on rain-gear, went on deck to watch the bumper-pool show - special guest star the 'that figures' guy. Guess both politeness and stupidity know no bounds.
Had this happen at Yost Van Dyke, BVI a few years ago. I was setting a second anchor and politely pointed out to the 'Skipper' that he was a bit too close, the vagaries of backwinding at this anchorage, and the potential for a cloudburst that evening. His reply (gentleman had family with him) asked what State I was from. When I replied, he said 'that figures' but did deign to move to another crowded part of the anchorage. Later that evening we had a quick but fierce storm about 3am. I put on rain-gear, went on deck to watch the bumper-pool show - special guest star the 'that figures' guy. Guess both politeness and stupidity know no bounds.
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Chuck Cummings
Relocate
Pull anchor & relocate if at all possible. If your new neighbor anchored as discribed he would not appreciate your concerns anyway.
Pull anchor & relocate if at all possible. If your new neighbor anchored as discribed he would not appreciate your concerns anyway.
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John Visser
trip line float
I really like the trip line float, or anchor float described earlier. I anchored this weekend next to a boat with one, and I found it helpful in choosing a place. I will get one of my own right away. Anchor watch alarms on GPS receivers and chartplotters. I have a Raymarine 425 GPS chartplotter. It has an anchor watch alarm feature, but it doesn't allow the user to specify precisely the radius of the watch. Rather, it allows choosing one of several radii, which are .01 nm, .05 nm, .1 nm, .5 nm. This is useless! .01 nm is 60 feet; .05 nm is 300 feet. In 15' of water with 7:1 scope, the radius of swing is about 100'. 60 feet or 300 feet won't work! Just one more poorly thought-out, useless feature from your Raymarine. And now that I think of it - the 425 doesn't drive an external alarm, only the internal beeper; the Garmin units I have (45 and 120 XL) both can drive an external alarm. Also, the Raymarine alarm volume is not adjustable. jv
I really like the trip line float, or anchor float described earlier. I anchored this weekend next to a boat with one, and I found it helpful in choosing a place. I will get one of my own right away. Anchor watch alarms on GPS receivers and chartplotters. I have a Raymarine 425 GPS chartplotter. It has an anchor watch alarm feature, but it doesn't allow the user to specify precisely the radius of the watch. Rather, it allows choosing one of several radii, which are .01 nm, .05 nm, .1 nm, .5 nm. This is useless! .01 nm is 60 feet; .05 nm is 300 feet. In 15' of water with 7:1 scope, the radius of swing is about 100'. 60 feet or 300 feet won't work! Just one more poorly thought-out, useless feature from your Raymarine. And now that I think of it - the 425 doesn't drive an external alarm, only the internal beeper; the Garmin units I have (45 and 120 XL) both can drive an external alarm. Also, the Raymarine alarm volume is not adjustable. jv
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