How We Anchor 下錨

How We Anchor

1. We bought a heavy anchor.

We bought a 33 pound anchor for our 28 foot 9000 pound boat. This is almost 10 pounds heavier than most boats our size carry. But we are living at anchor for months. Heavier anchors set more easily to begin with and hold better when set.

Yes it's a pain to pull that weight off the bottom. Yes, there is a risk of temptation to leave the boat in a less than ideal spot rather than make the effort to lift it and reset it. I've even heard this as an argument for traveling with an undersized anchor. But we've been through enough unexpected weather changes to let that temptation go. We value our night's sleep. The combination of a heavy anchor, a suitable length of chain, and a well set hook are what give us the peace of mind we need to get our rest. For an anchor, based on the best test results I could find (thanks Todd!) we chose a Rocna.

2. We do plenty chart work in advance.

We do our chart work before leaving harbor. This can be done on a GPS chart reader or on paper charts. We have both. We've tried it both ways. We use paper for planning. If I had a computer screen the size of a chart table, and access to unlimited electricity, I would change my ways.

Our original thought was to supplement this planning with a hand-held GPS chart plotter in the cockpit. We thought it would make it easier when entering tight anchorages. But this idea went by the wayside pretty quickly.

The key turning point was entering Prideaux Haven. Jiayu had the chart plotter in hand, I was steering the boat, piloting visually. As she watched the GPS she got more and more nervous, telling me to watch out for the rock in front of us, the one I was intending to leave to starboard. As far as I could tell, I was well clear of it. But her fear worried me. I value her judgment and it wouldn't be the first mistake I've made.

As the rock passed by on our right hand side, the plotter showed us running directly into and then over it! Temporarily hypnotized by the chart plotter screen, Jiayu was convinced we were not in the channel. Despite offering usable information, the hand-held GPS turned out to be a potentially dangerous distraction.

GPS is accurate, but not to the point of getting into narrow openings. It is good for finding a harbor entrance, but actual entry requires our own eyes. And even when GPS is accurate, the chart data often isn't. And, it gets worse as we go further north. The chart data further north is less both less complete and less accurate.

So regardless of the tools used, visual awareness of the surroundings cannot yet be replaced by computer display (this is in stark contrast to piloting an aircraft where IFR flight has long since been a standard practice). We could still use the chart plotter as a tool for identifying hazards, not taking the position marker too literally, but we find having the paper chart in the cockpit under the dodger gives us quicker access to the information and is less distracting. It also leaves us both hands free. Likewise we find the tiny screen on the hand-held unit to be limiting. Perhaps a larger chart plotter? Maybe someday. For now, it's paper.

3. Lining up landmarks

We do our best to memorize a few key landmarks. We find prominent visual points that we can line up in bearing lines, preferably without having to resort to our compass. This way, we come in with our hands free and our eyes on our surroundings. We put the chart under the dodger so we can confirm and re-confirm our identification of each hazard and landmark. This is the most efficient way we have found to make positive fixes on our position when entering a harbor.

When motoring in, the process of piloting is simplified, but we almost never motor in any more. It takes a dead calm to bring us to that, or conditions far worse than what we have faced so far. So we sail in, making sure to re-identify each landmark and hazard every time we switch tacks.

When entering harbor, Jiayu is the chief navigator and I both handle the sails and steer. Nothing makes me more nervous than not knowing where I am in relation to underwater dangers. I have learned that I must commit much of the chart to memory before coming in. With the shifting, land-addled winds that suffice for getting us in and out of anchorages, there is no time for me to figure out where I am. I have to know.

Jiayu has her hands free to identify our intended course well ahead of what I can attend to. Using the chart and binoculars, she spots our landmarks ahead of time and points them out to me. And on those occasions when I don't know where I am and can't make my identifications, I am incredibly grateful to have her there with me to get me back onto my course!

4. Plans and Backup Plans

Since we're sailing in, we come in with our intended anchor sites already in mind and landmarks chosen to guide us to each one. We always choose several fall back sites, and I've always got my eye on being able to make a clean exit. Luckily, a good spot for a sailing craft is not as appealing to boats which enter the harbor under power, including those with masts and sails. We need a little bit of wind, they don't want any. So we usually get our first choice.

5. Setting the hook

I sail and Jiayu drops the anchor. To date, our line has flaked well into the anchor well and has run out free, so we have not resorted to flaking the line on deck as many sailors do who come in without engine assistance. I like the fact that this also keeps the line free of bow cleats and other deck gear. When we reach our intended spot, I call out the current depth sounder reading. She veers out rode, dumping it quickly to get the anchor to the bottom and then feeds line a little more slowly to avoid piling the chain on top of the anchor.

Whenever winds allow, we come at our chosen anchor site on a broad reach. We want to set the hook downwind and we need enough momentum to set it well. A dead run doesn't usually give us enough power. The anchorages here are usually well sheltered and it takes careful sailing to maintain enough speed to set the anchor securely. Three knots is about perfect. It sounds fast, but the anchor line stretches and then the chain lifts, killing boat speed all the way, and leaving just enough way on to bury the anchor.

On a good day, the line pulls tight, the boat strains at the line and then pivots smartly into the wind. Down come the sails and there we are. On other days we have several choices.

If the set is truly poor or misplaced, we hoist the anchor and try again.

If the anchor is almost set but we didn't get the momentum we had hoped for, Jiayu veers out line, I sail to weather, and then we turn and sail down hard on the anchor line a second time. This only works with a good bottom. With rock or kelp to worry about, we run too much risk of fouling the rode. In fact, I wonder if this technique is worth the risk even on supposedly 'good' bottoms. Experience will be the final arbiter. And yes, I do have a spare anchor on board.

Finally, if the wind has died and momentum is unavailable, I will often set the hook by veering out rode, dropping a stern anchor, and then taking up rode to set each anchor against the pull of the other. I let them sit for 10 or fifteen minutes to make sure the hook is well set, and then take the stern anchor in. I only do this if our entire passage has been made under sail. If I've already had to run the engine that day, I simply back down on the anchor under power as if I had come in under power. It's convenient, noisy, and stinky. While I do this final setting of the anchor, Jiayu tidies up sails and gets the boat ready for our evening, getting our sleeping quarters in order and preparing the galley so I can cook.

Having spent a couple nights in precarious positions, I am wonderfully thankful for a well-set hook and very glad to take the time to make it happen. It's one of the keys to safety and happiness living aboard and voyaging.

The main skill I am working on right now is judging by the feel of the boat, as we pull our rode tight, whether the hook is well set or not. With time, I should be able to know conclusively whether the hook has set or not. Thankfully, due to both weight and design, our Rocna sets quite quickly. I've been very happy with this piece of gear, a good purchase.

In closing, I'd like to give special thanks to the likable but curmudgeonly Jerome Fitzgerald for his book “Sea-Steading” which, in addition to semi-philosophical rants, is full of great advice on anchoring under sail from someone who has lived and journeyed without an engine on his sailboat for well over a decade.

And in case anyone reading this article is mistaking it for advice, please remember that the very first time either Jiayu or I ever anchored a boat was in May 2008. This is simply what works for us so far.

(翻譯）
1. 我們購買足夠重量的船錨
我們幫這艘重達4噸的9公尺小船買了一個15公斤重的船錨，比一般同等大小船隻使用的船錨重上4公斤。因為我們數個月依靠船錨生活，較重的船錨讓下錨容易，也較容易抓牢海底。

當然，起錨時要拉上更多重量會更艱難；當然，當下錨處不盡理想時，更容易放棄重新起錨、下錨的念頭。我甚至聽過有人將這些原因合理化為使用較輕船錨的理由。但是，變化多端的氣候讓我們不至受到以上誘惑。我們重視夜晚的睡眠，因此，有較重的船錨、適合的錨繩長度，以及船錨安穩抓牢讓我們得以夜夜好眠。基於我能夠蒐集到的最佳測試結果報告（感謝Tod！），我選擇了Rocna的船錨。

2. 我們事先研讀海圖
在離開停泊處前，我們就先研究海圖。你可以選擇用GPS電子海圖或傳統海圖。我們二者皆有，也二種方式都使用。我們以傳統海圖計畫路徑。若是我GPS儀器的螢幕和海圖桌面一樣大，並可以無限使用電力，我會改變計畫路徑的方式。

我們原先的想法是以手持GPS儀器在舵艙輔助原先的路徑計畫，讓進入狹窄的停泊處容易一些，但是這個想法很快就被我們丟在一旁。

關鍵轉變是在我們進入Prideaux Haven的時候。Jiayu手持電子地圖，而我掌舵以視覺導航。她盯著電子地圖越來越緊張，告訴我要小心前方水底岩石，而我目視此石已久，往此石左側前進，看來我們的船應該安全無虞。但是她的憂慮也讓我開始擔憂，我重視她提供的資訊，而且我曾經犯過導航錯誤。

在我們由岩石左邊通過的同時，電子地圖顯示我們朝岩石直奔而去！Jiayu暫時在被電子地圖催眠的情況下，相信我們航道錯誤。因此，手持電子地圖儘管提供有用資訊，卻分散我們注意力而造成潛在的危險。

GPS定位準確，卻對進入狹小區域不大有幫助。它可以協助我們找到港灣入口，但是實際的進入港灣卻需要我們直接觀察。另外，海圖提供的資訊也不一定正確。當我們越朝北方前進，這個情況就越嚴重。越北方地區，海圖提供的資訊越少，也越不正確。

因此，無論使用哪種導航工具，親自視察周圍環境還是無法以電腦取代（除了飛機導航，電子導航系統已經成為標準程序）。我們仍然可以使用電子地圖來指認危險障礙的大致方向。我們發現將傳統海圖置於舵艙，我們可以輕易判讀資訊，注意力也不易分散，且不需手持任何儀器；小型手持電子地圖卻有其有限性。也許應該購買更大的電子地圖儀器？或許有一天我會，目前，我選擇傳統海圖。

3. 連結地標
我們盡量將數個關鍵地標記憶下來。我們偏好不需要常藉助羅盤，而以連線主要地形、島嶼來研判我們位置所在。這種方式讓我們不需手忙腳亂且持續關注周遭環境。我們將海圖放置在舵艙，讓我們輕易可以一再確認每個危險障礙物與明顯地標的位置。我們認為這是目前在進入港灣時，持續修正我們方位的最有效方法。

若我們開啟引擎進入港灣，則導航較為簡易，但是我們幾乎不輕易開啟引擎，除非絲毫無風或氣候壞到不行。所以，我們以帆入灣，在每次乘風轉舵時，重新確認每個地標與危險障礙。

在進入港灣時，Jiayu是主要導航者，我控制風帆與掌舵。沒有什麼比不知道水中礁岩與我所在的相對位置讓我更害怕的事。我想在入灣之前，我必須強迫自己記住地形資訊。在進出港灣時的風隨地形飄忽而難以掌握，我不可能有時間慢慢尋找我的位置，我必須事先就知道。

Jiayu比我能夠更快指認出我們試途前進的路線。在使用海圖與望遠鏡，她可以預先察看地標。在我不知道我們身在何處，或無法指認關鍵地形時，我非常感激有她在身邊協助我返回航行路徑。

4. 計畫，以及備用計畫
由於我們以帆入灣，我們事前已經計畫好停泊點、以及輔助我們定位的地形物。我們總是有備案的停泊處，以及選擇可以輕易出灣的下錨點。幸運的是，帆船下錨的好地點，對於那些發動引擎入灣（包括多數帆船）的船舶大多不具吸引力。我們需要在有風處；他們完全避風。所以，我們通常可以在第一選擇處下錨。

5. 下錨
我航行而Jiayu下錨。到目前為止，我們小心處理錨繩，還未發生類似其他帆船得在甲板上解開繩結的情況。我也偏好錨繩不需堆積在甲板上造成危險。當我們接近所選的停泊點，我大聲宣告目前水深，她放下錨繩──先將船錨快速垂降至水底，再以一定速度釋放其餘錨繩，避免將錨繩堆積在船錨上方。

在風允許的情況下，我們側風前進至所選停泊點，因為我們希望順風下錨，船需要足夠動力將錨拉緊。順風行駛並不總是給我們足夠動力。由於停泊港灣通常受地形保護，所以要保有足夠船速拉緊船錨需要小心的航行。我發現3海里的船速最為完美。聽起來很快，但是錨繩很快就拉緊而迅速降低船速，只剩下足夠動力讓船錨埋深水底。

在好日子，錨繩拉緊，船因此靈巧轉向順風。我們下降風帆結束一天。其他日子，我們有其他選擇。

若是船錨真的下錯地方，或無法抓緊水底，我們拉起船錨再試一次。

若是船錨幾乎已經抓緊水底，但是船無法累積我們需要前進的動力時，Jiayu釋出更多錨繩，我則先逆風前進再迅速二次順風轉向。這個方式僅限於使用於平坦水底。若還需擔憂水底的海帶或岩石，船錨太容易卡在海帶或岩石間。事實上，我也不知道這個方法是否適用於「好」的水底。經驗會引導一切。當然，船上有一付備用船錨。

最後，若風已止息，船無法獲得動力，我通常會在船尾丟下另一付船錨，同時拉緊二付船錨的錨繩，讓船錨因繩索相互拉緊而抓緊水底。然後我等待10-15分鐘，確認船錨確實抓牢。然後，我再將船尾錨收起。不過，只有在當天的旅程還未曾使用引擎的情況下我會用這個方法。如果當天已經開過引擎，我會再度開啟引擎倒退拉緊船錨──簡單、吵雜、油臭味充斥。在我最後確認船錨的同時，Jiayu整理帆布，將船恢復原狀以度過夜晚.

幾次讓我們心驚膽戰的夜晚狀況，讓我更加感謝有一個穩固的船錨，與我們堅持花時間好好下錨。要能夠安全與快樂的持續居住在船上或航行，這是關鍵之一。

目前我正在學習的技術是：在下錨時，憑藉著感受船的移動來判定我們的錨是否穩固定住海底。隨著時間增加，我應該可以確定下錨是否成功。我們的Rocna船錨由於其重量與設計，能夠快速抓牢海底，我很滿意這個裝備，一個好的購買決策。

最後，我想特別感謝，固執己見但仍讓我喜愛的Jerome Fitzgerald所寫的”SeaSteading”。他住在一艘無引擎的船上與持續航行十多年。我從書中得到許多以帆下錨的寶貴知識。