As you might know we keep proasis anchored all the time. This year we didn’t even winterized her. That means we also have to face serious gale-force storms once in awhile. Such a storm with gusts up to 62 kn will hit us tonight.
This is how we prepare for such a forecast but also some general things to keep in mind when dropping the anchor:
- Have a look at the forecast all the time! Its easier to be prepared if you know whats coming.
- Pick the right spot. The right location is crucial for staying safe at anchor. Look for protection from wind and swell. Its also important to to find a shallow place with good anchor ground such as sand or mud.
- Use the right anchor gear for your boat and spot. We use a 12 kg plough anchor with 10 m chain, a 20 kg chain weight and 5 m rope (bridle to each bow).
- Chain-weights are very effective to keep the chain down and keep the anchor fast. They also reduce the swinging motion often associated to multihulls.
- Reduce windage: with strong wind on the forecast we put the mast down (30 sec work).