Anchoring

To anchor quietly, first discuss with the crew all the steps and where the anchor will be lowered.

Crew lowers anchor just into the water as skipper brings the boat into the wind. When the skipper has brought the bow over the desired anchor location engage astern propulsion. When the crew notices the wave around the anchor has stopped, lower the anchor quickly to the bottom. Pay out the desired amount of line and cleat off the anchor rode. The vessel will seldom reverse in a straight line. When the rode becomes taut, the vessel will swing back into the wind. This confirms to the skipper that the anchor is holding. Slowly increase power to dig the anchor in while watching two objects in line(a range) abeam. If the objects stay in line you are not moving and the anchor is set.

This process can be done without any talking.

More information Basic Powerboat Standard