Rules for most races changed a few years back to ban anchors kept on bow rollers as they might be dangerous in the event of a collision, so very few race boats have them there even when cruising. Makes it hard to have anchors ready for immediate deployment; most likely the anchor is down below in the most appropriate place for weight distribution and would take a while to get on deck.
Without knowing the full facts, you can only imagine the carnage and distress at 2am (why is it always 2am?) with some of the crew off watch when the boat and Australia came together. Especially if the hull is pounding in the surf. Getting the crew safely to shore and waiting until daylight was the approach taken, and probably the most prudent.
Of course, staying well away from the rocky bits around the edge of the continent is also a prudent approach.....
saw her getting towed into port of brisbane yesterday by a tug that would have been a scary expensive tow she seemed to be floating ok on her lines and from half mile away no apparent damage
