Emergency Anchoring Checklist for With and Without an Operational Windlass
Emergency Anchoring With Operational Windlass Checklist
- Hand over helm to another crew or set autopilot
- Assign someone to announce situation on VHF and keep watch
- Have sound producing device ready for emergency signals
- Dash forward
- Open anchor locker
- Latch anchor locker open
- Remove safety line
- Grab windlass control
- Push/step on “down” for a couple seconds – enough to release six inches of chain
- Stop, lift inboard end of anchor stock to shift weight forward to tilt
- Push/step on “down” long enough to let out double your depth in chain
- Pause for boat to drift backward and set anchor / stretch out rode
- Let out more chain/line to preferred scope for the depth / item to leeward
- Monitor holding
- Continue VHF communication
Emergency Anchoring Without Operational Windlass Checklist
- Hand over helm to another crew or set autopilot
- Assign someone to announce situation on VHF
- Grab winch handle if one is not staged in the anchor locker
- Dash forward
- Open anchor locker
- Latch anchor locker open
- Remove safety line
- Grab winch handle
- Loosen inner brake drum
- Loosen outer tension drum
- Release six inches of chain
- Stop, lift inboard end of anchor stock to shift weight forward to tilt
- Let out double your depth in chain
- Pause for boat to drift backward and set anchor / stretch out rode
- Let out more chain/line to preferred scope for the depth / item to leeward
- Monitor holding
- Continue VHF communication
I Don’t Go Anywhere Without:
- North American Rescue CAT tourniquets.
- PierShare to rent your dock out or rent a dock.
- BoatUS for your boat towing insurance! Code: “HEWAF88”
- Thank you Bill for being the Best Sailing Partner EVER!
