I expect to do more sailing this year than in the past. Much of it I suspect will be single handed. There may be times when I want to pull into a nice cove, drop the hook and read a book along with sipping an ice cold brew. I have a CD27 without an electrical windlass. Which means I have to go to the bow to drop and retrieve the anchor. Frankly, I've never done this before alone. Any hints as to techniques for doing this single handed will be appreciated. Stuff like, do you have the engine on and in gear at idle speed with the tiller lashed in place? Scary to me. Or I suppose a CD27 is small enough in light wind and current to just armstrong the anchor out. Things like this cross my mind but I'd like to get an idea of the pitfalls I have to watch out for.
Thanks
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27
Setsail728@aol.com
Single Handed Anchor Handling
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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John Phillips
Re: Single Handed Anchor Handling
Warren:
At the end of Chapter 12 of Singlehanded Sailing by Richard Henderson there is a short discussion of several techniques for anchoring alone.
I would imagine that it is not so much the boat and anchor that are difficult, but the wind, the current, the rocks, the boats, the....
John
branchedoakmarina@alltel.net
At the end of Chapter 12 of Singlehanded Sailing by Richard Henderson there is a short discussion of several techniques for anchoring alone.
I would imagine that it is not so much the boat and anchor that are difficult, but the wind, the current, the rocks, the boats, the....
John
Warren Kaplan wrote: I expect to do more sailing this year than in the past. Much of it I suspect will be single handed. There may be times when I want to pull into a nice cove, drop the hook and read a book along with sipping an ice cold brew. I have a CD27 without an electrical windlass. Which means I have to go to the bow to drop and retrieve the anchor. Frankly, I've never done this before alone. Any hints as to techniques for doing this single handed will be appreciated. Stuff like, do you have the engine on and in gear at idle speed with the tiller lashed in place? Scary to me. Or I suppose a CD27 is small enough in light wind and current to just armstrong the anchor out. Things like this cross my mind but I'd like to get an idea of the pitfalls I have to watch out for.
Thanks
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27
branchedoakmarina@alltel.net
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brian
Re: Single Handed Anchor Handling-the flying drop
If you use a plow anchor with a combination rope/chain then the flying drop works quite well under power or sail.
Enter the anchorage downwind or if there is tide run with the tide instead. Boat speed should be 2-2.5 kts. Walk forward (put the engine in neutral if under power) and drop the anchor over having it already cleated off at 5:1, 7:1 or what ever you feel comfortable with given the conditons and location.
She'll spin into the wind or the tide on a dime. Sit back enjoy your cold brew and entertain yourself by watching others yell at each other as they attempt to anchor.
brian@yahoo.com
Enter the anchorage downwind or if there is tide run with the tide instead. Boat speed should be 2-2.5 kts. Walk forward (put the engine in neutral if under power) and drop the anchor over having it already cleated off at 5:1, 7:1 or what ever you feel comfortable with given the conditons and location.
She'll spin into the wind or the tide on a dime. Sit back enjoy your cold brew and entertain yourself by watching others yell at each other as they attempt to anchor.
brian@yahoo.com
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Neil Gordon
Re: Single Handed Anchor Handling
>>Any hints as to techniques for doing this single handed will be appreciated.<<
Break down the logical steps and it's not hard to sail singlehanded or anchor, etc.
With two of us, I get the anchor ready while my wife steers into the anchorage. Alone, I'd heave to in a safe spot, get the anchor ready, return to the cockpit and motor in.
I'd approach into the wind either way, then cut power. The boat will lose speed and the bow will begin to fall off. If you're alone, you can take a liesurely walk forward. Let the anchor go and pay out the rode as the boat falls off the wind. Note the depth as you leave the cockpit and you'll know how much rode you need. When you've got the right amount out, cleat it off, go back to the cockpit, back the boat and see if you're attached to the bottom.
>>Stuff like, do you have the engine on and in gear at idle speed with the tiller lashed in place?<<
Sailing alone, leaving the engine on and in gear, with or without the tiller lashed, seems a great way to watch your boat motor off without you. I never leave the cockpit under those conditions.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
cdory28@aol.com
Break down the logical steps and it's not hard to sail singlehanded or anchor, etc.
With two of us, I get the anchor ready while my wife steers into the anchorage. Alone, I'd heave to in a safe spot, get the anchor ready, return to the cockpit and motor in.
I'd approach into the wind either way, then cut power. The boat will lose speed and the bow will begin to fall off. If you're alone, you can take a liesurely walk forward. Let the anchor go and pay out the rode as the boat falls off the wind. Note the depth as you leave the cockpit and you'll know how much rode you need. When you've got the right amount out, cleat it off, go back to the cockpit, back the boat and see if you're attached to the bottom.
>>Stuff like, do you have the engine on and in gear at idle speed with the tiller lashed in place?<<
Sailing alone, leaving the engine on and in gear, with or without the tiller lashed, seems a great way to watch your boat motor off without you. I never leave the cockpit under those conditions.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
cdory28@aol.com
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D. Stump, Hanalei
Re: Here's what I do.....
Captain Kaplan,
When I am alone, or before I got married, when I had a damsel aboard that knew nothing of a vessel, I drop all sails outside the harbor. Then, I free the anchor from it's chock, and lay the anchor chain and rode out on the deck until I can secure the rode to a cleat near the cockpit. The rode would be doubled back on itself. The anchor is hanging from the bowsprit. Simply motor into the anchorage, slow to a stop, let go the anchor rode from the cleat, calmly walk to the bow, and cleat her down snugly(the anchor, NOT the damsel!)
Works for me and she will think you do it like this all the time! Oh, and if you anchor alone, there is never any of the classic yelling you see between a couple when they try to anchor! FWIW......Hey, do you have too much time on your hands this Winter? Just wondering.......your most HUMBLE servant......
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
CDSOA #1
When I am alone, or before I got married, when I had a damsel aboard that knew nothing of a vessel, I drop all sails outside the harbor. Then, I free the anchor from it's chock, and lay the anchor chain and rode out on the deck until I can secure the rode to a cleat near the cockpit. The rode would be doubled back on itself. The anchor is hanging from the bowsprit. Simply motor into the anchorage, slow to a stop, let go the anchor rode from the cleat, calmly walk to the bow, and cleat her down snugly(the anchor, NOT the damsel!)
Works for me and she will think you do it like this all the time! Oh, and if you anchor alone, there is never any of the classic yelling you see between a couple when they try to anchor! FWIW......Hey, do you have too much time on your hands this Winter? Just wondering.......your most HUMBLE servant......
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
CDSOA #1
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M. R. Bober
Re: Single Handed Anchor Handling--Raising is heck
Warren, never do something you cannot undo (if you wish). Consider hauling anchor singlehanded in a crowded harbor or under poor conditions before setting the hook.
This works for me:
1) Start the engine (just in case)
2) Reduce scope as much as possible.
3) Drink a cup of tea (morning event). The time spent drinking the tea will allow the boat to work the anchor loose.
4) Go forward to attempt to bring in the anchor. If successful go to step 6.
5) If anchor is still set, reduce scope (again) as much as possible. Repeat if neccessary, but let the boat break the anchor loose. Don't hurt yourself when singlehanding!
6) Secure anchor and rode.
7) Run to cockpit and engage transmission.
Every best wish.
Mitchell Bober
RESPITE
CD330
This works for me:
1) Start the engine (just in case)
2) Reduce scope as much as possible.
3) Drink a cup of tea (morning event). The time spent drinking the tea will allow the boat to work the anchor loose.
4) Go forward to attempt to bring in the anchor. If successful go to step 6.
5) If anchor is still set, reduce scope (again) as much as possible. Repeat if neccessary, but let the boat break the anchor loose. Don't hurt yourself when singlehanding!
6) Secure anchor and rode.
7) Run to cockpit and engage transmission.
Every best wish.
Mitchell Bober
RESPITE
CD330
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Larry DeMers
Re: Single Handed Anchor Handling
Warren,
It's not hard to do. Just get the prep work done ahead of time. On DLM, we do not pull the chain/rode out of the anchor locker before dropping her, but you may need to do this on your boat. So if you need to, get that rode faked down or make long loops of anchor rode on a side deck, with the rode and chain leading to the bow, *under* the bow pulpit. Approach the anchorage upwind or current, which ever is stronger. Keep the engine on but in idle and take it out of gear so that your speed is in the 1-2 kt range, and slowing. If there is time, you can remain at the tiller, and use the engine to stop forward motion at the spot you want to anchor at, then move forward, and release the anchor so that it and th chain fall controllably to the bottom. Do no pile chain and rode on top of the anchor, but allow it to stream back as the wind/current moves the boat back.
Take a turn around the cleat and lock it down at the right rode length for the anchorage. Generally 5:1 or 7:1 if there is a good wind blowing or a dicey bottom. When you are back to the tiller again, you can now go into reverse and back down on the rode to set the hook. Generally, we use around 2/3 throttle to full throttle when backing down, which will either set the hook or pull it out..which is why you do this in first place..to check the anchors set.
Getting the anchor back up is simple too. Sailing it out, I set the main and then tighten up the main sheet so that the sail is tight in the middle of the boat. Tie off the tiller in mid-position, and go forward, and start taking in the rode and stuffing it down the pipe. The boat will tack one side of the anchor and as you pull in the rode, it will tack to the other side fo the anchor, getting closer to the anchor each time it tacks. Finally, use the momentum ofthe boat to override the anchor, pulling it out of the seabed..quickly retrieve it now,, and then returnt o the cockpit and regain control of the tiller, bearing off away from the anchorage. There are 'things' that can go wrong in this endeavor, but the boat is moving slowly so you have time for corrections. WHen done right, this is a very peaceful way to up anchor and get underway with out an engine.
Of course, you can also set an anchor by sail alone too. It also involves a bit of planning ahead, and bringing the anchor and some rode outside the lifelines and shrouds, to the cockpit, from where you will drop it at the right time and place. The carry of the boat will set the hook for you, but the approach for this operation has to be cross wind rather than up wind, as you want to stream the anchor rode as the boat is moving forward, then let it snub up against the tied off rode for an initial set.
Cheers,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
CD 30
demers@sgi.com
It's not hard to do. Just get the prep work done ahead of time. On DLM, we do not pull the chain/rode out of the anchor locker before dropping her, but you may need to do this on your boat. So if you need to, get that rode faked down or make long loops of anchor rode on a side deck, with the rode and chain leading to the bow, *under* the bow pulpit. Approach the anchorage upwind or current, which ever is stronger. Keep the engine on but in idle and take it out of gear so that your speed is in the 1-2 kt range, and slowing. If there is time, you can remain at the tiller, and use the engine to stop forward motion at the spot you want to anchor at, then move forward, and release the anchor so that it and th chain fall controllably to the bottom. Do no pile chain and rode on top of the anchor, but allow it to stream back as the wind/current moves the boat back.
Take a turn around the cleat and lock it down at the right rode length for the anchorage. Generally 5:1 or 7:1 if there is a good wind blowing or a dicey bottom. When you are back to the tiller again, you can now go into reverse and back down on the rode to set the hook. Generally, we use around 2/3 throttle to full throttle when backing down, which will either set the hook or pull it out..which is why you do this in first place..to check the anchors set.
Getting the anchor back up is simple too. Sailing it out, I set the main and then tighten up the main sheet so that the sail is tight in the middle of the boat. Tie off the tiller in mid-position, and go forward, and start taking in the rode and stuffing it down the pipe. The boat will tack one side of the anchor and as you pull in the rode, it will tack to the other side fo the anchor, getting closer to the anchor each time it tacks. Finally, use the momentum ofthe boat to override the anchor, pulling it out of the seabed..quickly retrieve it now,, and then returnt o the cockpit and regain control of the tiller, bearing off away from the anchorage. There are 'things' that can go wrong in this endeavor, but the boat is moving slowly so you have time for corrections. WHen done right, this is a very peaceful way to up anchor and get underway with out an engine.
Of course, you can also set an anchor by sail alone too. It also involves a bit of planning ahead, and bringing the anchor and some rode outside the lifelines and shrouds, to the cockpit, from where you will drop it at the right time and place. The carry of the boat will set the hook for you, but the approach for this operation has to be cross wind rather than up wind, as you want to stream the anchor rode as the boat is moving forward, then let it snub up against the tied off rode for an initial set.
Cheers,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
CD 30
Warren Kaplan wrote: I expect to do more sailing this year than in the past. Much of it I suspect will be single handed. There may be times when I want to pull into a nice cove, drop the hook and read a book along with sipping an ice cold brew. I have a CD27 without an electrical windlass. Which means I have to go to the bow to drop and retrieve the anchor. Frankly, I've never done this before alone. Any hints as to techniques for doing this single handed will be appreciated. Stuff like, do you have the engine on and in gear at idle speed with the tiller lashed in place? Scary to me. Or I suppose a CD27 is small enough in light wind and current to just armstrong the anchor out. Things like this cross my mind but I'd like to get an idea of the pitfalls I have to watch out for.
Thanks
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27
demers@sgi.com
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Warren Kaplan
Re: Single Handed Anchor Handling
Thanks all for all the suggestions. There are some nice quiet anchorages (mid week anyway) that I think I can practice technique on without worry of damage to anyone's boat if things don't go smoothly at first. I guess its also important to bring along the right beer. I'll tell you something...this board is as good or better than any textbook on all aspects of sailing. Maybe Walt and Catherine should consider publishing several volumes of this site. HA!
Thanks again,
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27 #166 1980
Setsail728@aol.com
Thanks again,
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27 #166 1980
Setsail728@aol.com
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Larry DeMers
Re: Single Handed Anchor Handling--Raising is heck
Warren and Mitch,
Good advice about not hurting yourself, letting the boat do your work for you. I would change a couple items to make it even easier. Use the boats momentum to carry the boat up to and slightly over the anchor. You position yourself at the bow, and pull in the rode as it frees itself from the bottom. When the boat is about ready to slow to a stop, and say you have another 10ft. to go to the anchor, place a steady but not back breaking pressure on the rode, and you will continue to move towards the anchor. Once you reach the anchor, snub the rode off tight as you can. Then go back to the engine and give it a little burst in forward. This will use the engine and boat to pull the anchor out smoothly. You just have to gather in the remaining rode and chain, stow the anchor and be off with you.
The advantage here is that you get out a lot quicker, and you have a fairly hefty power source to get the anchor out, saving your back.
Cheers,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30
demers@sgi.com
Good advice about not hurting yourself, letting the boat do your work for you. I would change a couple items to make it even easier. Use the boats momentum to carry the boat up to and slightly over the anchor. You position yourself at the bow, and pull in the rode as it frees itself from the bottom. When the boat is about ready to slow to a stop, and say you have another 10ft. to go to the anchor, place a steady but not back breaking pressure on the rode, and you will continue to move towards the anchor. Once you reach the anchor, snub the rode off tight as you can. Then go back to the engine and give it a little burst in forward. This will use the engine and boat to pull the anchor out smoothly. You just have to gather in the remaining rode and chain, stow the anchor and be off with you.
The advantage here is that you get out a lot quicker, and you have a fairly hefty power source to get the anchor out, saving your back.
Cheers,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30
M. R. Bober wrote: Warren, never do something you cannot undo (if you wish). Consider hauling anchor singlehanded in a crowded harbor or under poor conditions before setting the hook.
This works for me:
1) Start the engine (just in case)
2) Reduce scope as much as possible.
3) Drink a cup of tea (morning event). The time spent drinking the tea will allow the boat to work the anchor loose.
4) Go forward to attempt to bring in the anchor. If successful go to step 6.
5) If anchor is still set, reduce scope (again) as much as possible. Repeat if neccessary, but let the boat break the anchor loose. Don't hurt yourself when singlehanding!
6) Secure anchor and rode.
7) Run to cockpit and engage transmission.
Every best wish.
Mitchell Bober
RESPITE
CD330
demers@sgi.com
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Warren Kaplan
Too Much Time On My Hands...
.Hey, do you have too much time on your hands this Winter? Just wondering.......your most HUMBLE servant......
I don't really have too much time on my hands this winter. Even though you might think it from the amount of time I spend perusing this board. One of the advantages (or drawbacks) of being your own boss. Much stress in my life at this time (probably not much different than many of us) and I have found that sailing, or anything to do with sailing, is a better stress reliever for me than anything the pharmaceutical or the distilled spirits industries have ever come up with. Of course combining some of the above is to be encouraged for their marvelous synergy.
By the way Dave, I just ordered a new mainsail from Doyle this morning!
Warren
Setsail728@aol.com
Dave,D. Stump, Hanalei wrote: Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
CDSOA #1
I don't really have too much time on my hands this winter. Even though you might think it from the amount of time I spend perusing this board. One of the advantages (or drawbacks) of being your own boss. Much stress in my life at this time (probably not much different than many of us) and I have found that sailing, or anything to do with sailing, is a better stress reliever for me than anything the pharmaceutical or the distilled spirits industries have ever come up with. Of course combining some of the above is to be encouraged for their marvelous synergy.
By the way Dave, I just ordered a new mainsail from Doyle this morning!
Warren
Setsail728@aol.com
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Don Carr
You'll like the Doyle
Warren; Did you get the sail at the City Island loft? I have had 2 sails from Doyle made and several more made for another boat. They do good work. Look's like people are serious about de-throning Capt Stump...
carrds@us.ibm.com
carrds@us.ibm.com
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Warren Kaplan
Re: You'll like the Doyle
Don,Don Carr wrote: Warren; Did you get the sail at the City Island loft? I have had 2 sails from Doyle made and several more made for another boat. They do good work. Look's like people are serious about de-throning Capt Stump...
I ordered the sail from Doyle's Long Island loft in Huntington Station. I've done quite alot of business with them in the 2 years I've owned Sine Qua Non. They made me a new furling jib 1.5 years ago. They also installed a new Furlex headsail furler and a set of lazy jacks for me over the past two years. Washed and repaired older sails too. I'm happy with them and their work.
Warren
Setsail728@aol.com
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D. Stump, Hanalei
Re: Hanalei to get new Mack main soon...
Captain Kaplan,
Yep, new main will be ordered shortly, in time for sail training after April 1st.(No foolin')
Hanalei
Yep, new main will be ordered shortly, in time for sail training after April 1st.(No foolin')
Hanalei
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Murray Glue
Flying Drops
I couldnt resist telling this tale. I once saw the finest piece of anchoring I have seen in 35 years of boating and working offshore.
Picture a small bay with a reef enclosing part of the seaward side.
A shiny new yacht under full sail appears and sails at 5 or 6 knots right over the reef, miraculously missing the rocks and hurtling into the bay. Now to drop anchor. With alot of shouting, the master sends the able seaman forward to " biff over the anchor" ( his words exactly ).
The anchor is duly " biffed " and digs in quickly. The air is full of screaming as the rope then burns holes in the ABs hands as it reels out of the locker. The instruction from the helm is to " hang onto the f?$%@ thing ", whereupon the AB suddenly disappears through the pulpit railings into the sea, rode wrapped firmly around one wrist.
The yacht, still making good way with sails sheeted home, piles up on the sand about 100 metres away, and the entire balance of the crew fall flat on their faces.
Once the vessel is refloated and anchored, and first aid administered by local medically trained people, it is time to up and go. The anchor is picked up, not by the same crew ( too painful ). The main is then put up, with difficulty lying across the wind and bashing into 3 or 4 other anchored craft in the process. Then the headsail. Amid all the shouting, I fended this unguided missile off my own boat with a boathook which slipped off the rail and went through a window.
Damned inconsiderate of me really.
The master then cunningly renegotiated the reef, again without hitting it, and sailed off.
Well, there is one way not to do it. Have fun.
Murray
CD30 Dayspring
Nelson
New Zealand
murray@offshoretechnical.com
Picture a small bay with a reef enclosing part of the seaward side.
A shiny new yacht under full sail appears and sails at 5 or 6 knots right over the reef, miraculously missing the rocks and hurtling into the bay. Now to drop anchor. With alot of shouting, the master sends the able seaman forward to " biff over the anchor" ( his words exactly ).
The anchor is duly " biffed " and digs in quickly. The air is full of screaming as the rope then burns holes in the ABs hands as it reels out of the locker. The instruction from the helm is to " hang onto the f?$%@ thing ", whereupon the AB suddenly disappears through the pulpit railings into the sea, rode wrapped firmly around one wrist.
The yacht, still making good way with sails sheeted home, piles up on the sand about 100 metres away, and the entire balance of the crew fall flat on their faces.
Once the vessel is refloated and anchored, and first aid administered by local medically trained people, it is time to up and go. The anchor is picked up, not by the same crew ( too painful ). The main is then put up, with difficulty lying across the wind and bashing into 3 or 4 other anchored craft in the process. Then the headsail. Amid all the shouting, I fended this unguided missile off my own boat with a boathook which slipped off the rail and went through a window.
Damned inconsiderate of me really.
The master then cunningly renegotiated the reef, again without hitting it, and sailed off.
Well, there is one way not to do it. Have fun.
Murray
CD30 Dayspring
Nelson
New Zealand
murray@offshoretechnical.com
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Steve Alarcon
Re: Single Handed Anchor Handling
A variation I saw in Canada a few years ago...
A 36-38 foot sloop came in to the anchorage, main up, running before 1-2 Kt breeze. Vessel reversed course (came into the wind), and the (singlehanded) skipper went forward, lowered the anchor and some rode as the boat drifted before the wind. Skipper then casually walked back to the main boom and backwinded it - driving the boat astern. The boat fetched up nicely, and the anchor was set!
Three days later, that same boat (and skipper) overhauled us (on our CD30) in 25-30 Kts of wind from several miles behind. We were single reefed, with only the stays'l forward. The sloop was flying everything.
The skipper of the 36-38 ft. sloop was a woman, and she was still singlehanded!
Steve Alarcon
CD36 Tenacity
Seattle
alarcon3@prodigy.net
A 36-38 foot sloop came in to the anchorage, main up, running before 1-2 Kt breeze. Vessel reversed course (came into the wind), and the (singlehanded) skipper went forward, lowered the anchor and some rode as the boat drifted before the wind. Skipper then casually walked back to the main boom and backwinded it - driving the boat astern. The boat fetched up nicely, and the anchor was set!
Three days later, that same boat (and skipper) overhauled us (on our CD30) in 25-30 Kts of wind from several miles behind. We were single reefed, with only the stays'l forward. The sloop was flying everything.
The skipper of the 36-38 ft. sloop was a woman, and she was still singlehanded!
Steve Alarcon
CD36 Tenacity
Seattle
alarcon3@prodigy.net