Two dumb anchoring questions

[nodders]

We are headed to the BVI's in February (wahoo!) and I understand the anchorages can get quite busy. We usually stay at marinas or secluded bays in Lake Ontario so haven't had the "busy anchorage" issue. 2 dumb questions:

1. where do folks position their rudder at anchor - does it make a difference?

2. any good tricks to determine how far away from other boats at anchor you need to be. Should it exceed the length of the rode? Or can you assume that boats will swing the same way in wind or tide change?

[Sumner10]

We usually always anchor out alone, but when we have anchored in the vicinity of others I for sure try and exceed the length of the rode since boats won't swing the same always. Our small boat sails on anchor a lot and if we were near another boat sailing on anchor we could sail into each other. Generally speaking you are right they will tend to move in the same direction with wind and tide changes.

Try and find out how those near you are anchored, one anchor, Bahamian Moor, etc.. We anchored in close one place in Florida and...



... put two anchors down to avoid moving into shallow water in one direction and into the path of boats going in and out of a marina in another. We basically held position regardless of wind and tide. We were alone until ...



... a cat anchored very close to us on one anchor. I called over and told them that we had two anchors down and weren't moving and that they might swing into us on a wind change (the wind was forcing them away from us at that moment). They then moved further away.

Another advantage to trying to give yourself some room is what if they or you drag a little. We have only dragged on anchor once about 20 feet, but we have good gear and usually have more scope down than recommended and often use 2 anchors.

I love anchoring and the challenges it presents in different situations. I don't enjoy anchoring near others in a crowded situation,

Sum

Our 37 Endeavour --- Our 26 MacGregor --- Trips With Both

[dave22q]

rudder position not important. length of rode is. you need to know your neighbor's setup on else allow lots of extra distance. good rule of thumb is if you have doubts add more distance.

[Bradhamlet]

I like to anchor with my rudder mid ship/straight. If the need arises and you need to get out fast this helps. I also make a note to which direction is open (compos course) should we need to get away from a now lee shore. No dumb questions, just not yet answered. I like distance between myself and others, safety, privacy.

Brad
Lancer 36

[Minnewaska]

Few thoughts.

It's vacation! If you're new to anchoring, bring an extra $100 and get a mooring here and there and relax.

Winds are generally Easterly, so fully swinging around the anchor is unlikely (but not unheard of in a squall)

If you are worried about anchoring, you can usually find a spot that is further from the action, but it's probably further from shore or the nearby popular landing. A longer dinghy ride might be better than worrying.

Take whatever depth you are in, add the distance from the water to your bow roller and multiply it all by 7. That is how much rode you should put out. While more is technically better, if you put out 10x, you will be the swing problem in the anchorage.

Now I have some good new and some bad news. The good news is, you're not alone, half the bareboats around you are probably as inexperienced in anchoring. The bad is, you have to worry about them too.

Chill and have a great time. You have nothing else to do but play with your boat, swim, eat and drink!!!

[CaptTony]

Most of the popular anchorages have moorings, usually at $25 per night with a few exceptions (Bitter End for one). If you try to anchor where mooring balls are, it is not easy. Relax and enjoy yourself. Bring extra money for the moorings.

[jackdale]

There are very few spots left to anchor - maybe in North Sound.

You do not want to be in a marina - way too hot with little circulation in the boat.

I centre and lock the rudder /wheel. On a mooring ball as well.

To eye ball distances, think on boat lengths. If you have radar use the VRM to measure distances.

I like to be a rodes length from other boats. Not always possible.

[Minnewaska]

Last I was there, two years ago, we anchored between shore and the mooring field at Bitter End Yacht club. Granted, it was tight. We've also anchored on the west side of Peter Island, can't recall the beach name. Spent a night on the south side of Beef Island, near the airport, on anchor. No one there, but not very picturesque either.

The coves are often plenty large enough, but they can get too deep for the tackle on the bareboats. Shallower areas of popular spots are filled with mooring, but you can often find a place around the edges, if you poke around carefully.

[chucklesR]

25 bucks a night gets a mooring ball.
ALMOST every harbor has balls throughout.
Skip anchoring, get a good nights sleep.

[Minnewaska]

But, in February, you want to arrive between 2 and 3 to be sure there are moorings available.