There are several approaches I use to reduce swinging at anchor. In
tight quarters, such as Vineyard Haven, I raise a "riding sail," which
in my case is mounted backwards on the topping lift. Its only a few
square feet, but its enough to greatly reduce swing. I know that in
your case you can't do this, but there might be some way the you can
add windage at the stern of the boat.

Some boats swing because there is too much windage forward. Freedom
and Nonsuch sailboats have the mast well forward and perform a
spirited dance at anchor. If you have canvas or gear forward you
might try removing it. Turning the boat around sometimes works for
small powerboats.

There are also solutions with two anchors. Placing a second anchor
forward, so that the two anchor rodes are at a 45 degree angle will
reduce swing and provide security. This is also my standard approach
for heavy air and soft bottoms. Its a bit daunting at first, but the
second anchor can be a small fast setting type, I use a Fortress with
only a small amount of chain, so it only takes a few minutes.

Another interesting approach is to set a "hammerlock." This is a
small anchor, it can simple be a bundle of chain, that is lowered on
very short scope off the bow. If you're in 10 feet of water, you
might use a 12 foot anchor line. This will drag on the bottom and
dampen the energy of the system. In light air you'll find that the
boat will sit mainly to the hammerlock.


It sounds like you had a great trip - you visited a lot of my favorite
spots.