"Jeff Morris" wrote in message
...
This is one of the problems with a lot of chain: it makes it impossible
to feel when the anchor grabs.

I disagree..... I can definitely feel a solid hook up with chain. Matter of
fact I can see the chain become taut when the set is placed. If motoring I
back down for 30 seconds at 1800rpm.... otherwise I drop on the downwind and
pay enough to keep the rode straight.... then come about hard to whichever
side the anchor is on and allow the momentum to back me down for the set. I
get an 80% success rate and the failures are readily seen, felt and
corrected by another attempt.

I really don't know how you guys have such a hard time with CQRs... It's a
great general purpose anchor. I might have dragged 4 times in the last 20
years... none critical.

I've seen many a vessel with supposedly experienced crew unable to place a
solid hook. I find it particularly prevalent within the Club Racers....
excellent racing and sailing skillsets but no clue about how to secure their
vessels to anchor. I've had Overproof set to my standard anchor for 3 weeks
through 2 gales without dragging. This was a set in 30 feet of water with my
stainless CQR, 100 ft chain and another 50 ft of 3/4" 3 strand. The bottom
is a mix of rounded cobble and gravel containing a plethora of scallops. A
dive on the hook prior to weighing anchor showed the plow buried to halfway
up the shank and a gentle spiral of chain indicating a positive hold in
veering wind.

Newbies have a hard time because the do not understand fully what is
required and lack experience...... the rest simply lack experience and
expect failure. Being able to securely anchor your vessel is a very
important skillset to have. I believe that Capt. Neal has an excellent set
up and knows what it requires to secure to anchor.... whereas Jon
illustrates he does not fully comprehend the actual anchoring skills
required to safely secure his vessel.

CM