You know the basics of anchoring already. Do you know where to find information about your chosen boat's specific equipment? Among the Modern Sailing fleet, windlasses and ground tackle vary from boat to boat. A few additional tips will help inform smooth and successful anchoring experiences for our members.
Contents
- Where to Find Anchor and Rode Information on Modern Sailing Boats
- Rode Calculation and Depth Calibration
- Weighing Anchor
- Anchor Won't Weigh?
- Restricted Anchorages
- Great Places to Anchor in SF Bay
- Multi-Day Charter Discounts
Where to Find Anchor and Rode Information on Modern Sailing Boats
On Our Website
To learn more about your chosen boat's anchor type/weight and rode type/length, go to our Boats & Rates webpage. Click on the name of your boat of interest, scroll down past the description, and click "Additional Info." You'll see a list of the boat's specifications and equipment, including ground tackle. All Modern Sailing yachts in the Gold, Platinum, and Catamaran Fleets are equipped with electric windlasses. Silver Fleet yachts Kele, Great Expectations, Kokomo, and Phoenix also have electric windlasses.
In Boat Pre-Cruise (Check-Out) Forms
As you fill out the electronic Boat Pre-Cruise (Check-Out) Form on your mobile device, be sure to review the “Unique Aspects of this Boat” section. Windlass power switches can be tricky to find on some boats, while others require a specific minimum engine RPM to run the windlass. If either is the case with your boat, you'll find helpful information in this section of the form. After you submit your Pre-Cruise Form, you'll receive a copy of it in your email that you can refer to later.
On The Boat
If your next sailing excursion includes a plan to drop anchor, familiarize yourself with your boat's ground tackle before you leave the dock.
- Check the boat's white binder for a paper copy of the Boat Pre-Cruise Form with a "Unique Aspects of the Boat" section, and/or additional windlass documentation.
- Check the windlass. Start the engine, flip the windlass power switch on and test the windlass. Using the handheld controller or foot buttons, feed out some chain, then feed it back in.
- Check the bitter end. Ensure that the bitter end of the rode is secured to an appropriate attachment point.
- Ready to run? Ensure that the rode is neatly flaked or piled and is ready to run.
To snub or not to snub? If you’re planning to anchor overnight, or for just a short time in possibly windy or choppy conditions, you’ll want to snub the chain to reduce chain noise and take potentially damaging strain off of the windlass. Some MSC boats have a snubber aboard, while others have a simple spare line that you can apply as a snubber with a rolling hitch to the chain. Know where your snubber or spare line is stowed and practice your rolling hitch before you go. If you need a refresher, watch this brief ASA Knots Made Easy - Rolling Hitch video.
Questions? For help aboard, raise the office on VHF channel 68.
Rode Calculation and Depth Calibration
All Modern yachts’ depth sounders are calibrated to measure and display the distance from keel to seabed, not the depth from the waterline.
This ASA Bite-Sized Lesson video demonstrates how to calculate the length of rode to deploy for a 7:1 scope. To account for a keel-to-seabed depth calibration, add your boat’s draft to the height of the bow above the waterline in the calculation. (Bow Height + Draft + Depth) x 7 = RODE
Weighing Anchor
Before you weigh anchor, bring a bucket and deck brush forward to wash mud and detritus off the chain as it comes up onto the bow. Check that the anchor is locked securely in place before you leave sheltered waters. When you return to dock, rinse the tackle, windlass and locker with fresh water from a hose to deter salt corrosion.
Anchor Won’t Weigh?
If the windlass controls are suddenly unresponsive, the circuit may have overloaded and tripped the breaker. Reset the windlass switch and ensure engine RPMs are sufficient to meet the demands of the windlass.
Sometimes the chain can pile up in the locker beneath the windlass, causing the windlass to stop. If this happens, simply knock the pile over and try to distribute it more evenly in the locker. Take care to knock down the pile frequently and do not allow the chain to back up in the windlass repeatedly. This can damage the windlass over time.
Do not apply excessive engine power to forcibly haul on a fouled anchor. This can cause bodily injury or damage to the vessel, windlass, and/or tackle, for which the charterer would be liable.
If the anchor seems irretrievable, call the Modern Sailing office at (415) 331-8250 for advice. After business hours, tie a fender to the fouled anchor's chain, detach it from the boat, and leave a voice message to inform the office. The next day, the fender will help a diver locate and retrieve the anchor. If the loss occurs in a restricted area or is due to negligence, the charterer is responsible for the cost of anchor retrieval or replacement.
Restricted Anchorages
Be sure to read the Charter Policies section of your Boat Pre-Cruise (Check-Out) Form to remain informed of areas off-limits to Modern Sailing yachts. In particular, the Aquatic Park and the China Cove anchorages are always restricted to Modern Sailing charterers due to underwater debris and anchoring hazards.
Great Places to Anchor in San Francisco Bay
The top anchorages closest to the Central Bay are Paradise Cove, McCovey Cove, Clipper Cove, and Richardson Bay.
Paradise Cove on the east side of the Tiburon Peninsula is well-sheltered from westerly and southwesterly winds. When the wind is blowing from the north or east, it can get bumpy. The bottom is mud - a great holding substrate if your anchor is set well.
McCovey Cove, next to Oracle Stadium, is great for daytime anchoring. Overnight anchoring is not permitted. Learn more here: Safe Boating Regulations for McCovey Cove
Clipper Cove is a calm anchorage with a shallow, tricky entrance - plan your entrance and exit for high tide. If you plan to anchor for more than one night, a permit is required. Apply for Clipper Cove Anchoring Permit
Richardson Bay is also a peaceful place to spend the night. Anchor far from the channel to minimize your experience of rolling from ferry and other boating traffic wake.
Multi-day Charter Discounts
Experience a refreshing overnight charter with your friends and family! Anytime you book a boat for two or more consecutive days, you’ll receive a 10% discount off the total charter rate. For 3 or more days, the discount is 15%!
How to Make Your Charter Reservation
Article by Mary Elkins on May 21, 2020
