eyschulman
Guru
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2014
- Messages
- 1,288
I consider storm and bad weather anchoring a very different animal than my every day cruising set in protected anchorages. Over the 50+ years of my gunk holing and inland and coastal cruising I have developed some thoughts on the subject. When I anticipate a mild or moderate problem I set a light high holding second anchor from my dinghy nothing unusual. If I had to anchor out in a real blow and I had the time and gear my first choice would be what I call the Port Washington mooring rig. This set up uses three Danforth type anchors with lengths of chain joined to a strong ring which is then joined to chain and a rode. The three anchors are set at 120 degrees 1/3 of a circle with their chains extended from the center. The beauty of this system particularly in sand and mud is that you are using the anchors with the highest holding ability and at the same time avoiding their weakness relative to veering. With one rode to the bow the boat is free to face the wind. Of course nothing is perfect or will apply to all circumstances. I am curious to know what others think about this system and what they use.