On 2008-04-13 22:18:46 -0400, Alan Gomes said:

As a similar variant to this: Pull all the slack out of the rode so
that it is as taught as it can be, hanging straight down, and cleat it
off. Then sit back and have something to drink while you let the
rocking motion of the boat do the work of breaking it free. If you have
several people on board you can have them move to the bow while you
tighten the line as much as possible, cleat it, and then have everyone
move aft to the cockpit. This could help some.

At about 170# each (average), two people doing that can transmit about
600# pull by simply walking aft. The lowly lever is such a wonderful
thing.

As to the general question, I think the purpose of the windlass is to
aid in retrieving the weight of a heavy anchor and chain rode but not
for breaking the anchor loose--though I'm sure many people use them for
the latter.

Not very many times ;-)

--
Jere Lull
Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD
Xan's pages: http://web.mac.com/jerelull/iWeb/Xan/
Our BVI trips & tips: http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/