The Anchor
The Anchorage is an important maneuver, on its success will depend your tranquility, do not forget that it will represent in time, the largest part of your stay!
You will choose sheltered anchorage areas. When you arrive at the anchorage, place a crew member at the front of the boat to spot any rocks or shoals. Move forward very slowly so that you can easily break the boat’s headway. Choose a spot away from other sailboats and check that there are no hazards in the turning radius or in the immediate vicinity.
Always consider the consequences of skidding, “keep water to leeward” Avoid anchoring in coral areas or you will not be able to release the anchor, you will also avoid destroying them.
Arrived at the anchor location, you break the boat’s headway, lower a length of chain 1.5 times the water height, back the boat, then let the chain run to 3 to 5 times the water height, check that the boat “Heads up,” then give a good reverse to make sure the anchor holds.
⚠ Remember, it’s the chain length that ensures a good hold. To be safe , wet long !
If the wind is strong, or if you have to leave the boat alone at anchor, don’t hesitate to lay a 2nd Anchor using the dinghy, the easiest solution being to moor. (The two anchorages being at a 45° angle to each other), however if the wind is really strong and there is a large chop, you will have to jibe by hooking and anchoring the 2nd Mooring at the end of the first.
Do not hesitate to dive with a mask to make sure that the anchor is secure. When you leave, start the engine, bring up the anchor by returning to the engine anchor, make sure to spread the chain in the anchor rope and be careful that the chain does not wrap around the barb. Do not leave until the anchor is in place.
The electric windlass
This is a fabulous comfort tool, however you must take a number of precautions:
- It must be used engine running at 1300 rpm.
- The sprocket does not have a proper mooring, the chain can slip, you will hit a piece (2 to 3 m) on the chain and the cleat, this precaution will give flexibility to the anchor, thus improving its holding. In addition you will avoid the noise of ragging particularly unpleasant at night for passengers in the forward cabins.
- Following a misuse of the windlass, it may break, you will have to reset the latter located in the sail locker of the boat, in the forward cabin or at the electrical panel.
⚠ Only use the windlass with the engine running. Have shoes on when anchoring.
The Appendix
The ideal dinghy is still an inflatable dinghy with or without a rigid bottom. Never drag the dinghy on the Sand. Always keep the dinghy well inflated. When on land use the anti-theft cable.
The ideal dinghy is an inflatable dinghy with or without a rigid bottom.
The outboard motor
Start-up: Unscrew the vent on the fuel cap. Turn on the fuel supply. If the engine is cold, pull the starter. Make sure the propeller is disengaged. Push the starter back in as soon as the engine is started.
Stop: Slow down. Press the red button. Turn off the fuel valve. Turn off the fuel supply.
WARNING:
- Use gasoline mixed with oil (2% mixture)
- Never carry the engine by the steering handle (It would break)
- Never put the engine “Head” down
- If the engine falls into water immediately immerse it in a tub of fresh water, rinse it thoroughly and take it to the mechanic.
