"Rick Morel" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:26:33 GMT, "Lew Hodgett"
wrote:

Can be a particular PITA if you have a gypsy in metric and try to use
it on USA chain.

I guess I lucked out. 'Valkyrie' came with a Simpson Laurance 2-speed
manual windless with what I can only think to call a "universal
gypsy". It will take just about any size chain. My main rode is 3/8"
chain with a screw link down to 5/16" chain. I think those are the
sizes. Anyway, it goes from one size to the other with no problem at
all. The link "openings" in the gypsy are tapered on all four sides,
so any size within the limits does fine. The larger the chain, the
higher it rides, but it all just easily falls into place. Very handy
to be able to mix and match so to speak.

To get back on topic. Single handed anchoring is pretty much as Capt.
JG said in the original post. If under power, the power is cut and the
autopilot keeps headed into the wind. I walk to the bow and wait for
the forward motion to stop, then release the anchor. If under sail, I
use the jib only, turn into the wind, activate the autopilot and roll
up the jib. "Valkyrie" displaces 24,000 lbs so she does coast quite a
bit.

Retrieving is with the manual windless. The two speed makes it easy.
Usually I'll hoist the main just before the final anchor pull out with
the mainsheet about full out. If a tight anchorage I'll forgo the sail
and have the engine idling. When the anchor breaks loose I go back,
put in gear, apply just enough power to have steerage and set the
autopilot. I can then go forward and finish retrieving the anchor.

If winds and seas are high, I can still use the windless by timing the
winching to when the bow comes down. I have cranked up the engine
under these conditions with the rudder centered and retrieved the
chain by hand. The problem with this is running back to throttle back
and go to neutral. It's a matter of timing and if off it can get a bit
interesting! The former is a lot better, if slower. But then if one is
in a hurry one has no busingess on a sailing vessel. That's the real
key to any aspect of single handing. Plan ahead and take your time. If
you do that, about anything is possible.

Rick



"Otto" sure helps. I have a remote, which is even nicer. Set me back a
couple of boat bucks, but it was worth it.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com