Please select your home edition
Edition
RS Sailing 2021 - LEADERBOARD

Wireless Anchoring a Winner

by Cruising Editor on 10 Apr 2006
Anchor safes three elements SW
As every cruising sailor knows, getting the right scope when you are anchoring is vital, and it’s important to count the chain as it goes down. We’ve tried paint and we’ve tried cable ties. Paint wears off after a while, and the cable ties eventually catch on something and tear off. In addition, there are many things to distract the bowman’s attention, so the count can be lost. Chain counters are a great boon, but, depending on your boat setup, there are always disadvantages.

The idea of being able to operate the windlass from anywhere on the boat sounds like Anchoring-Heaven, and that’s just what ‘AnchorSafe’ promises.

The basic system comprises a sensor and a small sealed control panel with display(80mmX80mmX20mm), but for electric or hydraulic windlasses a wireless remote control can be used. It’s easy to use. Alarms can be preset, alerting you when only 5m of chain are left in the locker, for example. .

This is what the gear consists of:

1. The chain counter sensor: This is a very tiny, sophisticated, completely weatherproof and durable unit. In this system only one sensor is used unlike other systems that use multiple sensors to identify the chain direction (up or down). It is easy to install on all types of windlasses, and according to AnchorSafe, should take no more than 40 minutes. The unit is made from UV protected Polycarbonate material including the sun cover.
The sensor is fitted close to the windlass gypsy and is completely wireless so there is NO need to rewire the windlass system. (Usually the hardest part of installing such systems is wiring the sensors from the windlass to the flybridge as in existing chain counters, and the need to make a number of proper and weatherproof connections in this difficult area).


2. A control panel made from highly durable and long lasting materials. Any number of these units can be installed. They can be fitted anywhere you choose. These control panels let you wirelessly remote control the following operations: :

A) Precisely measure the amount of chain deployed or rewound.

B ) Automatically operate the windlass. This is very convenient as it now leaves you free to do other tasks.

C) Give an audible warning alarm when the anchor approaches the boom or on deployment when the chain is about to run out.



3. The wireless remote control, which releases or rewinds the anchor chain from anywhere on board. (This unit does not need any wiring to the windlass as in ordinary windlass remote control devices). . The effective range of the remote control and the wireless sensor (sender) attached to the gypsy is around 90 metres




For single-handers, deploying or upping-anchor can be done without crew assistance. Even when upping-anchor you can organize the stowage of the chain in the chain locker safe in the knowledge that the re-winding will automatically stop a safe distance from the bow.
If your boat has two windlasses you can have two separate units counting each side separately. If you need a repeater you can install additional units without any connection between them and the repeater will count automatically while the windlasses work

The retail price of the unit is 288.00 Euro per piece including one control unit with the display and control buttons, one sun cover, one internal built-in remote control receiver, one wireless gypsy sensor, and the remote control.

For further information about the system, including how to purchase it online (that's the only way at the moment), refer to their WEBSITE

www.sail-world.com/send_message.cfm!Click_Here!same to write to Sail-World Cruising about this article

Selden 2020 - FOOTERCyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERC-Tech 2020 Tubes 728x90 BOTTOM

Related Articles

Foiling Sport Congress gathers global players
To shape the Future of Foiling Last week, Malcesine hosted the first-ever Foiling Sport Congress — a by-invitation event organised to foster an in-depth discussion on the current state and future developments of foiling across all disciplines.
Posted today at 5:59 am
OK Dinghy Europeans at Warnemünde day 2
Charlie Cumbley leads at the half-way stage Britain's Charlie Cumbley holds a two-point lead at the half-way stage of the 2025 OK Dinghy European Championship in Warnemünde, Germany, after two more races were held on Monday.
Posted today at 4:14 am
Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup Day 3
The best female wave sailors in the world showcase their skills on the global stage After the men had taken centre stage for the opening two days of the 2025 Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup, today was the day for the best female wave sailors in the world to showcase their skills on the global stage.
Posted today at 4:11 am
Transpac Onboard Episode 4
Anything Can Happen at Sea All Transpac 2025 competitors are now at sea and actively racing to Hawaii. We take a look at the Pasha Live Race Tracker and talk about the significant wind hole confronting a contingent of competitors.
Posted today at 3:06 am
Stops & re-starts in first two legs of AEGEAN 600
A tough first night and early morning spent fighting zephyrs getting through the Cyclades After a beautiful breezy start yesterday, but a tough first night and early morning spent fighting zephyrs getting through the Cyclades, at the end of today's daylight the AEGEAN 600 fleet is back on the move.
Posted on 7 Jul
Helsinki Welcomes Top Double-Handed Teams
For the 2025 Garmin ORC DH European Championship The countdown is over - the 2025 Garmin ORC Double-Handed Europeans has officially begun in Helsinki. Organised by the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) in collaboration with Helsingfors Segelklubb (HSK) and the Finnish Offshore Sailing Association.
Posted on 7 Jul
British Classic Week Day 1
Northerly winds gusting 22 knots make for a brisk start Day one at British Classic Week in Cowes saw fast-paced racing around the cans sponsored by Spirit Yachts for over 50 classic and modern classic yachts.
Posted on 7 Jul
International Moth Worlds Opening Ceremony
137 sailors from 25 nations have gathered, featuring some of the biggest names in sailing After weeks of preparation and an intense lead-up, the 2025 Moth World Championship is ready to get under way. Official racing begins tomorrow, 8 July, on the waters of Lake Garda, with the event hosted by Fraglia Vela Malcesine.
Posted on 7 Jul
iQFOiL Worlds a Aarhus day 2
No racing, but spirits stay high in Aarhus Day 2 of the iQFOiL World Championship in Aarhus tested the patience of sailors, coaches, and the Race Committee alike, as the wind refused to settle across the bay.
Posted on 7 Jul
Foiling Frenzy at Fraglia Vela Malcesine
The Moth Worlds at Lake Garda are something else! The Moth Worlds at Lake Garda are something else! Regardless of where sailors are in their careers, or the reputation they have, everyone wants to be there and have a tilt at the title.
Posted on 7 Jul