Sailing ABC \u00a0<\/b>by Marianne Wheeler<\/p>\n
A is for Anchor – <\/b>Anchoring, IV <\/b><\/p>\n
Ground tackle, the anchor with the anchor rode work together to keep a boat from getting underway without its skipper at the helm. The length and strength of rode required are dictated by the size of the boat and by different anchoring situations. A 35 foot sail boat may carry 250 feet of rode for its 25 lb. anchor.<\/p>\n
Mostly, three-strand twisted or double braided nylon rope is used for anchor rode, because of its strength and elasticity. Nylon can gradually stretch up to a third of its length under load, which is particularly helpful when the boat surges in choppy waves in the anchorage. The anchor rode on a 35 foot boat may have holding loads of 1000 lbs. in normal conditions and more than two times as much in stormy weather.<\/p>\n
Rope is relatively easy to store and light to handle, but it can chafe and break, or deteriorate from dirt, salt, and sun.<\/p>\n
My friend Salty Clay says it’s a good idea to regularly check for wear and tear on the anchor rode. When hanging on the hook for more than enjoying a lunch, avoid continued stress on points where the rope chafes on deck – the nip on the rode – by easing out a little more line from time to time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Sailing ABC \u00a0by Marianne Wheeler A is for Anchor – Anchoring, IV Ground tackle, the anchor with the anchor rode work together to keep a boat from getting underway without its skipper at the helm. The length and strength of … Continue reading