EXPERIENCE A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP AT ANCHOR ON A NORDHAVN 47

We anchor out the majority of the time and when cruising north and south with the seasons.  That’s a lot of anchoring. With over four decades of boat ownership, we have long since decided that ground tackle is right at the top of the list when it comes to perfecting a cruising home. It has to be easy, safe, clean and guaranteed to make your night on the hook peaceful with all the uninterrupted sleep you want.

I mentioned safety in the paragraph above and I’m not talking about safely staying attached to the ground and not moving, although we will cover that soon. I’m referring to not getting hurt while deploying and retrieving heavy ground tackle with the considerable loads that a 100,000 pound vessel can induce even without significant wind or current. Having well thought out steps faithfully followed will keep you safe. Keeping fingers and hands from between the chain gypsy and the chain is one of several important considerations. Being mindful o the loads on the rode, rollers and chain brakes is also vital.  

We are primarily focused on “defensive anchoring” when approaching an anchorage.  Looking around to see who is already anchored,  where will they might swing, when the tide changes, or the forecasted weather predicts a significant wind direction change at 2am. What is the best way to stay in the lee of the land?

Ranger’s primary anchor is a 175 pound stainless steel, scoop-style Ultra Anchor. The anchor is amazing - with the right technique it sets securely. The hollow shank and weighed tip of the plow shares ensure a correct initial orientation with the bottom. The stainless steel swivel, with 330 feet of 1/2” stainless steel chain, further attached to 150’ of 3/4” 3-strand nylon makes for a formidable rode. After setting, we have several snubber options dependent upon forecasted wind or significant current. You are set, have a nice dinner and go to sleep. 

Should you wake up, over the master bed is a “Tell Tale” compass that will immediately let you know if Ranger’s heading has changed.

I am routinely amazed at other's anchor departures. All too often, the lady aboard is sent forward to retrieve the anchor. Using the windless to bring up a really muddy chain and anchor is not how she planned to start the day! As the vessel hangs on the anchor, it is fully bow into the wind. As the muddy chain comes up, the crew member is sprayed with great loop mud! Breakfast could well be tense! Ranger’s chain wash system eliminates all of this! First, you retrieve the chain and anchor form inside the pilot house. The chain has been cleaned and of all the routine mud it has collected. 

Safe and happy crew and a very happy captain.