Which sequence correctly describes how to anchor a boat?

Which sequence correctly describes how to anchor a boat?

• A. Head into wind or current whichever is stronger; approach at low throttle and use wind or current as brake to slow you down; best to stop and lower the anchor over the bow slowly rather than heaving it; as you lower anchor wind or current should slowly back boat away; when the anchor touches the bottom, the crown will help the flukes take hold in the bottom; Ensure anchor has taken a good hold of the bottom and isn't dragging before securing line to a bow cleat.
• B. Drop anchor from stern; drive away quickly.
• C. Head into wind or current whichever is weaker; throw anchor overboard.
• D. Stop the engine, drop anchor in one motion.

Answer: (A)

Anchoring effectively hinges on getting the anchor to bite by using the boat’s position and speed to help set it. Face into the strongest influence of wind or current to give you the best control as you approach the spot. Move slowly with the engine at low throttle so you’re not forced forward or sideways by the drift; let the wind or current act as a brake to keep you from overshooting the spot. Stop the boat and lower the anchor over the bow smoothly rather than throwing or “heaving” it over. As you lower, let the wind or current push the boat back a bit so the anchor line stays taut and the boat helps the anchor settle. When the anchor touches bottom, the crown helps the flukes dig in, and you should back the boat away slightly to set the flukes firmly. Once you’re confident the anchor is holding and not dragging, secure the line to a bow cleat. Dropping from the stern, driving away quickly, heading into a weaker wind or current, or stopping the engine and dropping in one motion all fail to give the anchor a proper, positive set, increasing the chance of dragging.

Anchoring effectively hinges on getting the anchor to bite by using the boat’s position and speed to help set it. Face into the strongest influence of wind or current to give you the best control as you approach the spot. Move slowly with the engine at low throttle so you’re not forced forward or sideways by the drift; let the wind or current act as a brake to keep you from overshooting the spot. Stop the boat and lower the anchor over the bow smoothly rather than throwing or “heaving” it over. As you lower, let the wind or current push the boat back a bit so the anchor line stays taut and the boat helps the anchor settle. When the anchor touches bottom, the crown helps the flukes dig in, and you should back the boat away slightly to set the flukes firmly. Once you’re confident the anchor is holding and not dragging, secure the line to a bow cleat. Dropping from the stern, driving away quickly, heading into a weaker wind or current, or stopping the engine and dropping in one motion all fail to give the anchor a proper, positive set, increasing the chance of dragging.