And what of the new anchors not yet on the market? Anchoring is a subject that seems to fascinate inventors. It’s not just “build a better mousetrap.” Rather, it’s a trap that will catch mice, cockroaches, berserk bears and runaway bulldozers. Some of the new anchors are, frankly speaking, just plain weird. Nevertheless, each inventor seems very sure that his is going to be that perfect, all-purpose anchor.
Is there such a thing? Probably not. So, let’s take a different cut at it. Which anchors excel or rate among the best in the various functions assigned to the anchor? There never appears to be any disagreement that an anchor’s major functions are:
1. Setting
2. Holding (with dragging as a derivative) and,
3. Re-setting (or holding) when veered.
Four less important factors in anchor selection might be considered (1) the difficulty of breaking out, (2) weight onboard, (3) the quality of workmanship (as it pertains to long term utility), and (4) ease of handling and stowage (either at the bow or in an anchor locker). With many boat owners, stowage, self-launching and automatic retrieval from the bow is a great plus. Conversely, no one likes to be forced routinely to break an anchor out of deep stowage, especially on any fairly large boat that requires an anchor of unhandy size and weight.
Indeed, for those who anchor often, self-launching and stowing can rank very tight up behind the three major functions.
For more advice and information on anchoring, purchase the ebook Anchoring in Sand and Mud from Practical Sailor.
