One question that often comes our way is, “When and how do you use stern anchors?”

As to the when, stern anchors can be used to prevent the boat from swinging into shallows, obstructions, or dangers, a technique that is particularly useful in crowded anchorages, as well as narrow waterways.

Stern anchors can also be used to make the boat lay better to the wind, current, or seas, or as an “emergency brake” in a last-ditch effort to stop the boat.

As with any anchor, for a stern anchor to be effective, it must have adequate size for the conditions, and be of an appropriate design for the bottom, plus, sufficient scope must be deployed.

Rope makes for the easiest to use rode, though when chafe is a concern, wire rope or chain should be incorporated into the rode. The use of other anti-chafe techniques, as well as snubbers, should also be considered.

When it comes to stowing and deploying stern anchors, it can be done from any amicable location on the boat.  Once the anchor is deployed, the rode, if not already there, is lead fair to and belayed at the stern.

One technique for deployment is to set the main bower first, then drop back on its rode twice the distance of the intended length of scope. Then, lower the stern anchor, and as the stern anchor’s rode is eased out, the main bower’s rode is hauled in until the boat is lying between the two anchors.

The second method is just the reverse of the first, with the stern anchor let go first, and the main bower deployed second.

Either of these two methods can be altered, where the main bower is deployed, the stern anchor dropped off the stern, with the rode eased out as the boat swings.

A third technique, once the main bower is deployed, is to load just the stern anchor into the dinghy, pulling the rode off the main ship as the dinghy is rowed or motored out to where this anchor will be dropped. A variation to this technique is to load both the stern anchor and its rode into the dinghy, and after dropping the stern anchor, letting the rode slide out of the dinghy as you return to the main ship; carry extra line or a float in case the rode comes up short.

Anchors can also be “swum” out. Use sufficient flotation to keep the anchor and large loops of rode clear of the bottom as the swimmer tows the anchor into position. Mask, fins, and snorkel may be useful, and for cooler water, a wet suit. Once the anchor is positioned, release the slip knots holding the gear to the flotation. Quite large anchors can be dealt with in this manner; we have done so with both our 70 lb. and our 100 lb. fisherman anchors-many times.

Once deployed, stern anchors should be set, as good as is possible, using muscle power, engine, winch, windlass, tackle, wind, or current.

Recovery is usually done in the reverse of that used to set them out, though circumstances may dictate doing otherwise.

About the Authors:

Jill and Rudy Sechez “ANCHORING CONSULTANTS”
Onboard Sessions • Consultations • Seminars • Speaking Engagements

Jill and Rudy first began cruising in 1997 aboard a 36-foot wood, cutter-rigged sailboat that they built in a small backyard. They currently live and cruise aboard a 34-foot sail-assisted wood trawler, which they designed, then built under the trees out in the woods. Relevant to this book, they have seen their boats successfully through seven hurricanes, anchoring through five of them, in addition to numerous tropical storms and countless gales. They cruise primarily the east coasts of the U.S., Gulf of Mexico and the Bahamas, with a trip to Bermuda along the way. Click here to purchase this book.