Need some help with setting bridle

[mikeandrebecca]

Being total newbies to sailing, we have been taking every opportunity we can to get out sailing in our boat. We have been slowly making upgrades on our PDQ including the purchase of a new Rocna anchor along with some additional chain and anchor line.

So here is where we need some help... We are having real issues setting the bridle on our new anchor chain. We purchased one of the ABI bridle plates and have it attached via shackles to bridle lines. The problem we are having is getting it into position without the chain falling off. I understand that a "lazy" loop of chain on the side closest the boat will keep the chain in the bridle plate. Getting to the point where it is deployed in this position just seems like a major deal though. I know there has to be a better way, or we are doing something wrong. Anyone care to help out a couple of newbies?

Thanks in advance!

Rebecca

[paulk]

Are you using a bridle because you have a catamaran? Perhaps the drill should be to rig the bridle first, then anchor. Once your anchor has set, move the chain rode over to the bridle plate (you should be able to walk it around the boat so the rode in the water goes to where you want it) and drop it into the slot on the plate, leaving your "lazy"loop on the side closer to the boat, so it stays hooked. This is just a guess since I've never anchored with a bridle, but it sounds like you've been trying to hook the chain to the bridle and then rig the bridle. It is easy to see how the chain could slip out of the bridle plate if you don't have it in a fixed position first. Hope this helps.

[jmolan]

I do not have a photo so I will try to describe this. It was shown to me by a very clever cruising man from Germany.
Take a length of small chain. Like dog collar size chain (I use Dynex 5mm line myself) like 3 or 4 feet. Attach a quick release shackle (like you find on halyards) with a long small sized rope to it. At the other end of this you have the bridle attached. the small release line on the shackle we will call the tag line.
After you anchor, take and wrap the small chain or small rope around the big chain. Wrap it forward from the bow. Down the anchor chain away from the boat. Take a bunch of wraps and clip the shackle back on itself to the bridle eyes ore anywhere..............let it out until the bridle has tension.
To retrieve it, just pull the tag line and release the snap shackle. The line or small chain will uncoil and you are good to go.....it is very easy once you get set up.

[mikeandrebecca]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, we are on a pdq catamaran. We have been trying to find an easy solution for this problem so are willing to try anything that will make our life easier when it comes to anchoring. This past weekend, we went out late in the day and were anchoring at dusk. The bridle was giving us a real headache and was cutting into our cocktail time!

jmolan: I'm afraid that neither one of us could understand your description. Perhaps a photo might help