One of the systems I’ve been giving quite a bit of thought to recently is something I’ll eventually be trusting La Sirena, myself and Birnie to completely: the anchor system.
La Sirena’s primary anchor is a 20 kg Rocna, connected to approximately 350 feet of 5/16″ G4 high-test chain that gives me up to a 10:1 scope… more than enough. I’ve decided to keep the connection between the two simple, using a properly rated conventional shackle rather than a swivel. A swivel adds convenience, but it also adds another mechanical component and another potential point of failure. For something this important, choose simplicity.
I’ve also added a Mantus anchor bridle and snubber system.
Once we’re anchored, the bridle will take the load from the chain and transfer it to strong points on La Sirena rather than leaving the windlass to carry the boat. The nylon also provides some much-needed stretch between the boat and all that chain, absorbing the shock as La Sirena moves around in wind and waves.
For the kind of cruising I’m planning, this isn’t just another piece of equipment.
I expect to spend a lot of time at anchor.
Sometimes that will hopefully mean a quiet evening in a protected bay with Birnie asleep somewhere nearby. Other times it may mean lying awake listening to the wind building outside, checking our position and wondering whether the anchor is still exactly where I left it.
That’s when all of this preparation matters.
No anchor guarantees safety. The bottom, depth, scope, weather, protection and quality of the initial set all matter enormously. A good anchor doesn’t replace judgment.
But I like the system I’m putting together.
20 kg Rocna.
350 feet of G4 chain.
A simple, strong shackle.
A proper Mantus bridle and snubber.
A 200 foot drum of anchor rode
30 feet of extra chain
Another 20 kg Rockna
There aren’t many things aboard La Sirena that need to potentially trust as much as those few pieces of equipment.
When the wind starts blowing at three in the morning, there won’t be much interest in brand names, specifications or what something looked like in a catalogue.
There will really only be one question.
Is it holding?
