Boat sailing on anchor

jonnyd · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008

I have an Irwin 34 and the boat wants to sail on its anchor does anyone have any tips or solutions for this problem

thanks

georgetina · #2 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008

Hi
I had the same problem with my Beneteau first 305. I made a small (3 sq mtrs.) sail from an old jib sail and used it as a riding sail mounted on the back stay and tensioned to the toe rail. This reduced the swing from 60+ degree's each side to less than 15 degree's with much less snatch as the yacht "tacked". This also worked well when moored to a fixed mooring bouy.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008

You can either rig a riding sail, rig a bridle, or try anchoring the boat by the stern. Read Don Jordan's explanation of the problem here.

BTW, you really should read the POST in my signature to help you get the most out of sailnet.

Cruisingdad · #4 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008

Sailing, or dancing, on anchor is a very common issue. As has been mentioned, you can help correct the problem flying a small triangular sail off the end of your boom. I have seen some fly it between the backstays.

Just a word of warning, though. In reality, all boats dance - some worse than others. That is not a bad thing. You just need to make sure you are still swinging with the rest of the anchorage. If the tide pulls the other boats with it, yet yours is flying into the wind, you might find yourself bumping in the middle of the night.

I personally say don't worry about it. It helps you to perfect your dinghy-to-the-boat skills anyways!!

My opinions.

- CD

Bene505 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008

Quite common problem. Our Beneteau 50 sails at anchor constantly. I'm hoping that by adding a fourwinds wind generator that it won't sail as much. I may have to get an anchor sail too.

Faster · #6 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008

As I've mentioned previously on other threads, friends sailing the Caribbean each winter have a boat that sails around aggressively enough to have plucked free a well-set anchor.

They began using a riding sail and, though not eliminating the swing, it has made the turns and reversals rather gentle, easier on the ground tackle and the crew. The set it routinely even for lunch stops. Having consistently strong tradewinds makes this techique even more effective.

One downside I can see is in a crowded anchorage with marginal winds and stronger/variable tides or currents... nearby boats without a riding sail may behave quite differently and close encounters may occur.....

Bene505 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008

Isn't there somthing you can attach to the stern and drag? Seems to me the problem is that the sailboat is too streamlined, at least for the amount of windage/freebaaord forward.

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008

You really should read the article I posted a link to above... Don Jordan has a pretty detailed explanation about why modern sailboats tend to swing at anchor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bene505

Isn't there somthing you can attach to the stern and drag? Seems to me the problem is that the sailboat is too streamlined, at least for the amount of windage/freebaaord forward.

jonnyd · #9 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008

Thanks for the info . Yes my main concern is in strong winds and in tight anchorages. I am worried about draging anchor there is a lot of pressure on the ground tackle when the boat swings almost beam to the wind. Does anyone have a pic of on of there riding sail setups.

xort · #10 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008

This one came with the boat, I think it's too small...