Advanced Anchoring Techniques

Kedging is the technique of using an anchor to move the boat rather than to hold it in position. A kedge anchor is rowed out in the dinghy (or thrown ahead if close enough) and dropped, then the crew winch or haul the boat towards it. Kedging is traditionally used to free a grounded vessel, to move through a calm or adverse tide when sailing or motoring is impractical, or to position a boat precisely in a confined space.

In strong conditions, increase the scope to at least 8:1 for chain (10:1 for rope) and consider deploying a second anchor. Two anchors can be set in a V-pattern (about 45° apart) to share the load, or in tandem — both on the same cable, one ahead of the other — which dramatically increases holding power in a single direction. A tandem arrangement roughly doubles the holding force because the second anchor keeps the primary anchor's pull angle low.

In tidal waters, the boat will swing through 180° or more as the tide turns. You must allow enough swinging room so the boat does not collide with other anchored vessels, moorings, or the shore at any state of tide. Remember that scope decreases as the tide rises (the depth increases but the cable length stays the same), so always calculate scope based on the highest water level expected during your stay. Conversely, as the tide falls the boat may end up with excessive scope and a very large swinging circle.

A Bahamian moor uses two anchors set in opposite directions — one up-tide and one down-tide — so the boat swings in a narrow arc between them rather than a full circle. This is ideal in narrow channels or rivers where swinging room is limited. The anchors are set by motoring up-tide, dropping the first anchor, falling back twice the desired scope, dropping the second anchor, and then pulling back to lie midway between them.

Weighing anchor in difficult conditions requires extra care. In strong winds, motor firmly towards the anchor to relieve tension before trying to break it out. If the anchor is fouled and a tripping line was not rigged, try motoring in a circle around the anchor position to change the pull direction. As a last resort, shorten the cable to the minimum, cleat it firmly, and motor forward to let the boat's momentum and buoyancy pull the anchor upward. Always be prepared to slip (abandon) the anchor if the situation threatens the safety of the vessel.