Hi Sailing Friends, new owner of a 27 foot sailboat here. I'm based in Middle Harbour in Sydney. I'm trying to figure out what kind of anchor I need, mostly for stopping for a few hours in good weather in places like Little Collins beach or similar?

For stopping overnight, say up in Pittwater, what kind and size of anchor should I get to have a good night's sleep?
(of course I do understand that how and where I lay the anchor plays a big part)

Thanks

People have their preferences for anchoring, and the science behind it is not exact, but approaching 'pretty accurate'.
I'd recommend an anchor of at least 15kg weight, plus at least 15 metres of 8mm chain, and then nylon rode - as much as you can stuff in your anchor well. My preference is for a SARCA anchor, but a sand anchor is quite useful, but not in all sea bottom types. Oh, and I also recommend 2 types of anchor, one sand anchor and one like a SARCA or other plough-shaped one, or a pick type anchor. There are times when 2 anchors give you excellent sleep.

The old 27lb CQR which l sold to SectorSteve was favourably mentioned by him in his posts on his northern trip few years back.
I replaced it with a ROCNA 10kg spade anchor which served well ever since never causing any anxious moment on my approx 6ton (loaded) Adams 28.
I had a 35lb Manson CQR and an 18lb sand anchor to boot.
The locker held a 95 feet long 5/16 close link chain for Qld rough coralls and rocks and a 32 feet long 5/16 chain for every day duty.
Rodes l had a 110m roll of 14mm and a roll of 35m 12mm best quality nylon.
You do not need that many until you need them!

Today, as the Rocnas unfortunately made in China l would not buy them, rather l would buy a preferrably locally or US or NZ made, but definitely not chineese made, spade anchor about 10-15kg.

Anchors, one of my favourite topics!
"Standards Association for a 5 metre boat, and anchor equivalent to a Danforth 8s (8k), 3m of 6mm chain and 8mm rope four times the depth that you will be anchoring in."
This is the advice from the Hartley association that I've followed and found it extremely effective. I own a Hartley.

I also carry a smaller sand anchor with apportioned chain and rope as a backup.


Anchoring is as much as a art as actually sailing for me. Understanding scope and chain and bottom contour and it's construction is important for not only your safe sleep but for others anchor nearby.

I keep promising myself one day I'll buy a electric Winch but I'm vain and dislike to spoil my yachts outstanding good looks??

Has anyone else done the electric winch?

Pros - cons?