Anchoring in our waters has seldom been as attractive as in times of the pandemic, as you automatically meet all the requirements for distance and hygiene on your own ground iron. In addition, calm suddenly returns to a sheltered, in the best case lonely bay. The right equipment is necessary so that an overnight stay at your own anchor becomes a relaxing experience. Opinions differ when it comes to the choice of base iron. In fact, there is no single valid answer to the question of the optimal hook. Because depending on the nature of the seabed, contradicting design features are sometimes advantageous, and the always functioning all-round anchor does not exist. However, our extensive tests, in which we have checked 27 different types over the past 16 years, clearly show which properties characterize a good construction and what it is better to keep away from.
Not every anchor holds in every ground. The chances of success depend heavily on its construction
Even the best basic iron is of little use if the connection to the boat is not right. Above all, the length of the chain or line inserted is decisive for the safe functioning of the anchor. The hook can only develop its full holding power if the anchor shaft remains on the ground under load. Traditionally, the chain length is given as a multiple of the water depth. As a general rule, the recommendations are to put between three and five times as much chain as the depth sounder indicates. With ropes eight times the water depth should be lowered.
Simulation of a 13 kilogram riding weight in a 20 knot wind. If placed optimally, it replaces eight additional chain meters
Even the range of the recommendation raises doubts as to its correctness; in addition, contrary to all practical experience, the wind force is not taken into account. YACHT reader René Lattmann thought that too. The experienced skipper of the Swiss Cruising Club used the Corona-related sailing-free time, he dealt with the underlying mathematics and simulated various chain and rope combinations as well as the effect of the riding weight. His results are as illuminating as they are surprising: Those who anchor according to the textbook are by no means on the safe side.