"Roger Long" wrote in message
...
I think this method runs the risk of fouling the anchor by dropping chain
and rope on top of it. You can do the same thing by letting the rode out
too fast while the vessel still has some headway.

I like to watch the stuff floating on the water until the moment when the
boat is totally stopped (may require some adjustment in current) and then
let the anchor go until it just touches bottom. Then, I try to let the
chain out at about the same speed the boat starts drifting backwards, or
blowing off to the side in most cases, so that the chain has the best
chance of laying smoothly out along the bottom instead of piling up on top
of the anchor. When I get the right scope out, I snub the line and the
intertia of the drifting boat digs the hook in. By this time, the boat is
usually crosswise to the wind. My 32 footer is small enough that a series
of jerks to bring her around pointing towards the anchor usually sets it
very firmly. Then, I let out the full riding scope and usually sleep
soundly.

It sounds to me like you are making the common (almost universal) mistake
of trying to do things too fast. Relax. Try to do everything at half
speed like you were trying to impress the crowd on the yacht club veranda.
You'll be surprised how much time there actually is to do things. If not,
you're probably anchoring too close and that was your first mistake.

If you do have to anchor in a tight spot, there is usually a direction
with more room and a little thinking ahead will make sure the boat falls
off in that direction. Don't forget to scope out the current. If it is
going to have more of an effect on the boat than the wind, nothing you do
will work out right if you try to anchor upwind with a stern current. I
still make this mistake sometimes.

--
Roger Long

Best advice for almost everything! Slow down and think about what you are
doing. I like it.

Ben Allez

s/v Chauncey's Gig
Morgan Out Island 41