We have dragged a few times. Guess the 30kg Stainless anchor was just not big enough for the Lagoon 400. At least that is what I thought.
I had the privilege the other week to have a couple of hours with an anchor specialist. He explained the development of anchor design and explained why some anchors work better than others. And it is not all down to the seabed.
Peter from Ultra Anchors went through the three "must DOS" for a great anchor.
1 Fast Setting
2 Dig Deaper
3 Self Reset
I had never noticed that the spade anchors like the Rocna, Spade and the Mantus are an inversion of the plough style anchor like the CQR and the Delta.
Peter explained that as the wind increases the plough is more likely to do what the name says, plough the seabed up. While the later innovation of anchors are more likely to dig deeper in a blow.
But what about Fast Setting?
The Later designs have a roll bar that will help the anchor roll over as you drag it along the seabed, should it land the wrong way up.
But these anchors can be put into a difficult situation. Should the wind or current change while set, they have to come out of the seabed to reset, and don't stay buried during the turn, Peter told me.
Peter's anchor, the Ultra is not only a stylish addition to your bow, gleaming in polished stainless steel, but have more than a few innovative features.
These anchors only come in stainless steal as it is not possible to make them in galvanised steel. First the shank is hollow to reduce the weight on top, together with a lead filled base and tip which lowers the center of gravity. This means when it reaches the seabed it will automatically fall with the tip ready to dig in. Therefore the anchor will set immediately. A great advantage in a tight anchorage.
Due to the spade design, the harder the boat pulls in a blow the deeper the anchor will dig in. This helps to stop your dreaded drag through the anchorage.
The anchor also has fins on the side of the spade. These are designed to help the anchor rotate in the seabed when the wind or current changes. This means the anchor will not resurface before it resets into it's new position.
Peter demonstrated the results and we have brought you a video of why it will set Fast and hold longer.
Have to say I was well impressed with the design and will plan on trying it out on our next boat. Yes it is probably more expensive than the competition, but to sleep well in a blow, it is probably worth it.
What are your thoughts, have to tried and tested one?
The dyslexic writer
Have a look at our playlist of Atlantic Crossing West to East. In 4 Episodes we show you the highs & lows of an Atlantic crossing!