Module 3 - Anchorwork
Weighing Anchor
What you will learn
Recover and secure an anchor without using the windlass to drag the yacht, trapping crew near moving cable or persisting when load indicates a foul or equipment limit.
The engine moves the yacht; the windlass recovers controlled slack and lifts the anchor within its limits. Clear communication, safe crew positions and a rehearsed foul-or-abandon plan matter more than forcing the equipment.
Brief helm and foredeck signals, the intended route, the wind and stream, the expected cable direction and what will stop the operation. Keep hands, clothing and feet clear of the chain, gypsy or wildcat, windlass controls and every bight. A MAIB yacht case shows that an accidentally energised windlass can draw a finger into the chain interface; isolate power after anchoring where the vessel's system and procedures require it.
Motor gently towards the anchor to relieve cable load while the windlass or crew takes in slack. Do not use the windlass as a towing device to pull the yacht across the anchorage. When the cable is nearly vertical, use a controlled breakout method suited to the boat. Stop heaving if significant tension, abnormal noise, poor lead or difficulty develops; MCA and MAIB guidance emphasise equipment limits and relieving load with the vessel's propulsion.
A fouled anchor needs a plan, not unlimited force. A tripping line may help only when it was correctly rigged and does not create a fouling or traffic hazard; it is not an automatic cure. Consider changing the direction of pull under control, waiting for a tide change, using competent assistance, or buoying and abandoning the cable if continued recovery would endanger people or the vessel. Once recovered, wash as appropriate, confirm the anchor is fully home and secure it independently for sea.
| Cue | Prudent response | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Cable leads ahead under steady load | Motor gently towards the anchor while recovering slack | The engine moves the yacht; the windlass should not tow it |
| Cable nearly vertical and load rises | Stop heaving, relieve strain and reassess the breakout plan | The anchor may be fouled or the equipment may be approaching its limit |
| Chain bunches or jumps at the windlass | Stop, isolate as appropriate and clear only with load controlled | Hands near moving chain and gypsy can be drawn into the mechanism |
| Anchor reaches the bow | Confirm fully home, wash as appropriate and secure independently | Windlass brake or appearance alone is not secure sea stowage |
Stop an escalating windlass load
The cable is nearly vertical but the anchor will not break out. The bow is falling away, the windlass note changes and a crew member reaches towards the moving chain to improve its lead.
1. Stop and clear
Stop heaving, keep hands and feet away from the chain and windlass, and re-establish clear communication between helm and foredeck.
2. Relieve the load
Use controlled vessel movement to take strain off the cable rather than asking the windlass to drag the yacht or overcome an unknown foul.
3. Diagnose conservatively
Check cable direction, depth, charted obstructions, tide and any pre-rigged recovery arrangement without standing in the load path.
4. Use the contingency
Change pull, wait, seek help or buoy and abandon only through a briefed method that protects people, vessel, navigation and the environment.
Sense check: A stronger windlass pull is not evidence of progress; rising load may be the warning that prevents equipment failure or injury.
Common mistake or limitation
- Using the windlass to pull the yacht forward instead of manoeuvring to relieve cable load.
- Putting fingers, feet or clothing near a moving chain, bight, gypsy or windlass control.
- Applying unlimited load to a fouled anchor and treating any sudden release as success.
- Assuming the anchor is safe for sea when it is visible at the bow but not fully home and independently secured.
Recap
- Use propulsion to move the yacht and the windlass or crew to recover controlled slack.
- Stop on abnormal load or lead; keep everyone clear of moving cable, bights and machinery.
- Recover through a planned method, then confirm the anchor is fully home and independently secured.
Optional quick check
Section 4 of 5
The cable is nearly vertical and windlass load rises sharply. What is the prudent first response?
Common questions
What does weighing anchor mean?
Weighing anchor means recovering the anchor and cable, confirming the anchor is fully home and securing it so the vessel can proceed safely.
Should the windlass pull the boat up to the anchor?
No. Manoeuvre gently to relieve cable load while the windlass recovers slack within its limits. Stop if significant tension or difficulty develops.
What should I do if the anchor is fouled?
Stop before equipment or people are overloaded, control the vessel and cable, then use a pre-planned change of pull, correctly rigged recovery aid, tide, assistance or safe abandonment method as appropriate.
Keep revising this topic
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 20 August 2026 - Coastal Skipper Revision.
Practice anchorwork
The anchorwork module connects anchor choice, scope, holding, recovery, and safe anchoring technique.