Complete Anchoring Guide
by Des Ryan on 21 Sep 2013
Bad anchoring techniques are the cause of many a boating disaster SW
A boat swinging safely at anchor can mark the relaxing conclusion to a great day of boating or the successful completion of an essential emergency measure, while failure to anchor properly can be frustrating, inconvenient, or downright dangerous. The Complete Anchoring Handbook by Alain Poiraud is your path to mastering this indispensable seamanship skill - A modern, authoritative anchoring guide for both sailors and powerboaters..
Based on original engineering analysis - and with contributions from such international anchoring experts as Alain Fraysse and Chuck Hawley - The Complete Anchoring Handbook emphasizes the proven best gear and methods for anchoring safely in any situation with any boat, sail or power. Here's everything you need to know, from the basics to the most advanced techniques. Poiraud and company describe:
The physical forces acting on a boat, its ground tackle, and the sea bottom
Why the new generation of roll-stable anchors (including the Spade, Rocna, Manson Supreme, and others) is proving superior to traditional favorites
How to select and size anchors and ground-tackle components
How to connect those components without introducing weak points in your ground-tackle system
Foreward to the book: The technique of sailing has changed enormously in recent years, but one area that has remained virtually unchanged from the early days when humans first ventured afloat in a hol-lowed-out tree trunk is that of anchoring. GPS, radar, electronic charts, and odier such aids have vastly increased the safety of sailing, but they are all primarily concerned with movement.
When I was asked to write a foreword to this book, I looked back at the various accidents among cruising boats that have come to my attention during my recent circumnavigation and was amazed to find that the majority were the direct consequence of poor anchoring.
In the not too distant past, the major cause of groundings in areas such as the South Pacific was poor navigation; nowadays, boats are often lost or damaged because they are anchored in the wrong way and in the wrong place. And I say that not just from my observations of others but also from hard-gained personal experience! I will never forget some sticky moments, especially in my early sailing years, when we were one step from serious trouble by not having paid due attention to anchoring properly.
If the book is not available in your local marine store you can purchase it by http://www.mcgrawhill.ca/professional/products/9780071475082/!clicking_here, or purchase it on Kindle through Amazon.
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