On Wed, 15 Mar 2006 01:06:08 -0500, wrote:

Can anyone post an image or link to a chart of the English Channel showing
the area known as the Downs, and an area called the "Hammer and Anvil"?

Nope, but I did find out where the Downs are. It might help.

"THE DOWNS is also the name of a roadstead in the English Channel off Deal
between the North and the South Foreland. It forms a favorite anchorage
during heavy weather, protected on the east by the Goodwin Sands and on
the north and west by the coast. It has depths down to 12 fathoms. Even
during southerly gales some shelter is afforded, though under this
condition wrecks are not infrequent."