So, we 're relatively new in the sailing game - so I 'm sure I can learn from the old salts that frequent the OCC 's forum...

My boat is a 28,000lb, 44ft cruiser (Outbound 44) with pretty high freeboard and therefore demands (I believe) some reasonable care during anchoring. We have an 80lb Manson Supreme on 5/16" Chain. Last year we were anchored out in winds up to 40kt and in depth of about 20ft.

What would be the recommendation on length of rode to deploy? (We dragged!)

Thanks,

Bill Balme

Hi Bill,
To address the bottom properly, an anchor has to be at the correct angle relative to the bottom. So you need at the least 3:1 to hook it and more to set and hold properly. If you are going to be short on scope, then I 'd suggest an oversized anchor, one that works reasonably well with short scope like the Rocna (not a Spade - which needs more scope).

You should never secure the rode to the gypsy or the windlass. Always secure it to the cleat or cleats, with adequate chafe protection. Additional security in a blow can be derived from securing the rode to the base of the mast.

Vice Commodore, OCC