The Complete Anchoring Handbook: Stay Put on Any Bottom in Any Weather

by Alain Poiraud, Achim Ginsberg-Klemmt, Erika Ginsberg-Klemmt

A modern, authoritative anchoring guide for sailors and powerboaters A boat swinging safely at anchor can mark the relaxing conclusion to a great day of boating or the successful completion of an essential emergency measure, while failure to anchor properly can be frustrating, inconvenient, or downright dangerous. The Complete Anchoring Handbook is your path to mastering this indispensable seamanship skill. Based on original engineering analysis--and with contributions from such international anchoring experts as Alain Fraysse and Chuck Hawley-- The Complete Anchoring Handbook emphasizes the proven best gear and methods for anchoring safely in any situation with any boat, sail or power. Here’s everything you need to know, from the basics to the most advanced techniques. Poiraud and company

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2007

Reviews

[Numidica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reference if you intend to set out to unfamiliar cruising grounds where you will likely anchor frequently. I learned several things I did not know, and there are many useful tables to help you check your thinking before spending considerable sums on anchors, windlasses, shackles, or rode chain. Viewing the tables in electronic format works much better on an iPad than on a Mac or PC. Based on the information and mathematical arguments in this book, I may add 50 to 75 feet of nylon rode to my current 150 feet of all-chain rode to reduce forces transferred from ground tackle to deck fittings, and this also caused me to re-think the chain hook I use on my snubber and order a gate for the Mantis hook, which I now realize should have come with it in the first place. I learned some key things to remember about positioning an electric windlass on the foredeck, such as alignment with the roller. There is more for me to read about powering an electric windlass, because the decision about whether to move a dedicated battery forward to drive the windlass is complicated.

Well worth the money if you are a serious sailor / cruiser.

[Basile · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most crucial skills but barely touched upon during training. This book sets out the basics but also the advanced skills necessary for safe anchoring in any condition.
A must-read for any sailor, be they beginners looking to progress or very advanced sailors.