Anchoring is one of the great joys of sailing—dropping anchor in a quiet cove or an empty beach can be peaceful, scenic, and cost-effective compared to marinas. But it does require careful planning and awareness to do safely and comfortably. Here’s what to keep in mind:

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⛵ 1. Safety First: Anchor Watch & Dragging

Anchors can slip, so staying vigilant is key:

✔ Anchors can slip – this is the biggest worry.

✔ Anchor watch – If anchoring overnight, consider having one or two crew members monitor position regularly.

✔ GPS alarms – Modern alarms alert you if the boat moves beyond a set radius, but trust your eyes more than electronics.

✔ Preparedness – Always be ready for changing conditions.

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🌊 2. Check the Chart and Sea Bed

Knowing the seabed and surroundings improves safety and environmental responsibility:

✔ Avoid hazards – Cables, pipelines, moorings, wrecks, or coral; anchoring on coral is harmful and often illegal.

✔ Sea bed type – Mud and sand generally hold better than rock.

✔ Anchor type – Choose wisely as different anchors perform better on different bottoms.

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📍 3. Scope and Depth

The length of anchor rode matters for secure anchoring:

✔ Scope – Length of chain/rope relative to depth.

✔ Rules of thumb – Chain only: ~4x depth; Rope (warp): ~6x depth.

✔ Swing radius – More scope improves holding but increases swing; account for tidal changes!

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🛠 4. Allow for Swing Radius & Neighbours

Consider your boat’s movement and nearby vessels:

✔ Swing radius – Equal to length of anchor rode out.

✔ Obstacles – Check for rocks or other boats within this radius.

✔ Stern anchor – Reduces swing; inform nearby boats to avoid conflicts.

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🏆 5. Consider the Weather & Shelter

Weather can change quickly—plan anchoring locations carefully:

✔ Wind and tides – Avoid lee shores; understand local patterns.

✔ Comfort & safety – Overnight wind shifts may affect both.

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🏆 6. Be Considerate of Other Boats

Maintain good etiquette for a safe and pleasant anchorage:

✔ Quiet arrivals/departures

✔ Leave room to swing

✔ Use correct lights or day shapes overnight

✔ Avoid crowding anchorages

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🌊 7. Swimming Safety at Anchor

Ensure swimmers’ safety when anchored:

✔ Easy re-boarding – Make it simple for swimmers to get back on board.

✔ Tidal currents – Rig a line/fender from the stern for swimme