On Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:22:44 -0400, W1TEF
wrote:

The problem: The anchor windlass has failed in some unfortunate way,
and not easily repaired. How do you retrieve your expensive anchor
and chain?

Ok, so when you say "failed", you must mean that you can't use the
windlass's mechanical leverage either.

Yes, the windlass is totally inoperational for some reason.

Hmmm - what kind of anchor are we talking about here? Bruce style?
Danforth? Kedge? Plow? One of those weirdo delta wing types? It does
make a difference.

It could be any of those, all popular for various reasons. All we
know for sure is that it is a big, heavy, expensive anchor that is not
something we want to leave behind without a fight.

My assumption is that it is too heavy to be easily lifted by brute
force, and it is probably well set/dug in.