Yawing at anchor

[Lucky Jack]

Gents,

Does anyone have any input on why my boat seems to yaw around a bit in the anchorage when others are lying steady to the wind. In todays episode, I'm using an all chain rode at 5:1 with a 30ft snubber out of the starboard hawse. I noticed a tendency to yaw around a bit, but it's not all the time. It happens every now and then and isn't a big deal except for the fact that others are still lying steady to the wind when it happens. I do not have a riding sail.

I've heard that there are characteristics that could cause this, but I'm not up to speed on what they are. Any suggestions?

Lucky Jack

[sailingdog]

Jack-

Read this article. Should explain it... and a possible solutioin. What kind of boat do you have??

[jimmalkin]

SD is right, read the thread. I'm right now in Greenwich Ct outerharbor and skating around because I have a trunk cabin that runs forward and a dinghy lashed to the foredeck. Lots of forward windage.

[Plumper]

Things that may promote yawing include an anchor lead that is off center, a light bow, a high freeboard foreward, lots of deck hamper foreward and on and on. Try flying a steading sail.

[tdw]

Originally Posted by Lucky Jack

Gents,

Does anyone have any input on why my boat seems to yaw around a bit in the anchorage when others are lying steady to the wind. In todays episode, I'm using an all chain rode at 5:1 with a 30ft snubber out of the starboard hawse. I noticed a tendency to yaw around a bit, but it's not all the time. It happens every now and then and isn't a big deal except for the fact that others are still lying steady to the wind when it happens. I do not have a riding sail.

I've heard that there are characteristics that could cause this, but I'm not up to speed on what they are. Any suggestions?

Lucky Jack

Hey Dog - I'm guessing here but his boat just might be a Caliber 40.

Jack - From photos the Caliber has a pretty hefty trunk which could be your problem. How is she trimmed ? If you are down in the arse that can unsettle an anchored boat. What about awnings, dodgers etc ? We like to anchor out in hot weather with a full bow to stern awning but if the wind pipes up it can cause problems.

[sailingdog]

Missed it in his header...was looking in the signature. Of course, I have it in both places.

[mwrohde]

I've read the linked article. There is no "ah hah" sentence.

Is his answer "anchor from the stern"?

[sailingdog]

The physics says that the modern boats, due to the difference in their underwater and above water profiles are going to have a much greater tendency to sway at anchor, since the center of resistance above water tends to be forward of the center of resistance below water.

There are two solutions. First, is anchoring by the stern. Works quite well from my experience. Second, use a riding sail. The better riding sails are v-shaped, not flat sails, and tend to help the boat stop swaying much better than a flat riding sail.

[JohnRPollard]

Sorry, I haven't read that article and don't have time at the moment.

One thing that contributes to yawing at anchor is the windage from a roller-furled headsail. Try to furl it as tightly as possible to reduce its cross section profile. Definitely do NOT do as some people do and leave a small triangle of the sail unfurled!

We had a riding sail on our previous boat and it was very effective and simple to rig. It was especially helpful in raft-ups.

[Boasun]

Actually the term is "Horsing around" when at anchor and every vessel does this, just some are worst than others. The easiest fix is to fly a steadying sail at the stern. Another is to put out a stern anchor to pin the stern in place. And Putting up a dodger and awning, with the attendent curtains, over the stern cockpit of the boat that could act as a steadying sail.
You should let out a tad more anchor rode. 6:1 is good and if the weax is foul then 7:1 or greater. After you have the maximum anchor rode out be prepared to get underway and run for shelter.