Hey Doug, That's a neat technique. What knot do you use to tie the spring line to the anchor rode? BTW, I thought you'd like to know that cold weather is coming to New England today. Rick M15 #337 Bluebird
Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 09:51:17 -0800 (PST) From: Doug Kelch <doug_kelch@yahoo.com> To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Subject: Re: M_Boats: Bow Sprit-stern anchor Message-ID: <216062.67582.qm@web58701.mail.re1.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Joe,
You won't get any strange looks from me. I always deploy the anchor from the stern and frequently remain anchored by the stern. I generally use a quick setting anchor like a CQR or a Bruce style claw. I deploy the anchor from the cockpit, set it, and tie it off to a stern cleat. I will then take the non-tensioned anchor line forward, outside the shrouds to the bow cleat and secure it there. I often tie a spring line to the anchor line from a point a few feet off the stern cleat and take keep it loose in the cockpit.
If conditions are such that I want to anchor by the bow I just release the anchor line from the stern and the boat swings around with the wind at the bow. If I want to stop the swinging or position the bow into any waves I pull in on the spring line until I get t he angle that works best. The spring line is used to gradually turn the boat to an angle to the wind and waves which stops the swinging and can minimize a roll due waves.
Thanks
Doug Kelch M15 G #310 "Seas the Day"