Question 1

While re-anchoring, what should the crew be especially aware of in the dark?

Accepted Answer

Watch carefully for other anchored boats, rocks, or the shore that the dragging may have brought SUNBEAM closer to — visibility and depth perception are much harder at night, so move slowly and use a torch to check the surroundings before committing to a new position Dragging can have brought the boat much closer to hazards than the crew realise, and night conditions make it far harder to judge distances accurately. Moving slowly and carefully, using a torch to check the surroundings, reduces the risk of a second problem (a collision or grounding) happening while dealing with the first one (the dragging anchor).

Question 2

The skipper wakes in the night to find the boat rolling and pitching far more than when they went to sleep, and a strong wind has picked up. What is the first thing to check?

Accepted Answer

Go on deck straight away and check whether the boat is still in the same position — use a fixed light or landmark ashore as a reference point to see if the boat has moved compared to where it was when the anchor was first set A sudden change in how the boat is moving, especially with rising wind, is exactly the kind of warning sign that should prompt an immediate check. Comparing the current position to a fixed reference point (a light, a headland, a moored boat) is the simplest way to tell quickly whether the anchor has held or the boat has dragged.

Question 3

The reference light ashore that was directly behind the boat earlier now appears to be off to one side. What does this tell the skipper?

Accepted Answer

The boat has moved from its original position — the anchor is very likely dragging and not holding properly in the stronger wind. This needs immediate action, not just continued watching A boat will swing a little around its anchor with wind and tide changes, but a clear, steady change in a fixed reference's bearing strongly suggests the boat itself has actually moved position — the anchor has likely lost its grip on the seabed (dragging) rather than just swinging normally. This calls for immediate action rather than more waiting.