The Anchor Bend: A Step-by-Step Guide for Anchoring Safely

In a Nutshell...

The anchor bend, also known as the anchor hitch, is the preferred knot for securely attaching an anchor rode to an anchor. It’s a highly reliable knot that won't slip under load, making it a critical skill for any sailor. To tie it, you'll make two turns around the anchor's shackle, form a half hitch around the standing part, and then make a second half hitch outside of the first one. For extra security, you can finish it with a half hitch around the standing part.

Why the Anchor Bend?
Tying the Anchor Bend: A Step-by-Step Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Few cruising sailors will use an all-rope rode tied directly to the anchor. Most will go for an all-chain or chain-to-rope rode. The connection between chain and rope will best be made with a splice or an anchor bend if a good night's sleep is to be enjoyed at anchor. That connection is the last line of defense between your boat and a rocky shore. While there are many knots to choose from, the anchor bend is the one I would choose.

Why the Anchor Bend?

The Anchor Bend Knot isn't a bend or a knot; it's a hitch. Sailors of old referred to 'bending-on an anchor' and the name of this hitch originated from those times.

It's an extremely strong and reliable hitch, much more so than the commonly used bowline or round turn and two half-hitches. Consequently, the anchor bend knot should be your first choice when making a long-term attachment to a shackle or similar item of hardware.

But why 'long-term'? Because once it's been under tension the anchor hitch can be almost impossible to undo.

Tying the Anchor Bend: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to tie this essential knot. While the steps might seem daunting at first, a few practice runs will make it second nature. For this guide, we'll assume you're using an anchor with a shackle.

First Pass: Pass the working end of the rode through the anchor shackle.

Two Turns: Take the working end and wrap it around the standing part of the rode twice. These turns are key to the knot's security.

First Half Hitch: Now, pass the working end under the first two turns you just made, forming a half hitch around the standing part.

Second Half Hitch: Bring the working end around again, creating a second half hitch outside of the first one, passing it under the turns. This effectively "locks" the knot in place.

Dress & Tighten: Pull all parts of the knot to tighten it securely, making sure the turns are neat and flat.

Final Security (Optional but recommended): For added security, especially in rough conditions, I recommend finishing with a third half hitch around the standing part of the line, as shown below:

Stage 1

Take a turn through the shackle.

Stage 2

Then take another one. After all one good turn deserves another!

Stage 3

Now pass the working end through both turns. If you cinch the knot up tight at this stage you should sieze the the working end to the standing part.

Stage 4

But for a super-strong and reliable connection with no need for siezing, pass the the working end through both turns a second time.

For a complete overview of knots and splicing, including their history and uses, return to our main article: A Sailor's Guide to Essential Knots & Splicing.

By Dick McClary, RYA Yachtmaster Offshore & member of the Yachting Journalists Association (YJA)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the anchor bend the same as a clove hitch?

No. While they both involve turns, the anchor bend is specifically designed to handle constant, heavy load and shock loading, making it far more secure for anchoring. A clove hitch can slip under constant tension.

Can I use the anchor bend for other purposes?

Yes, the anchor bend is excellent for securing lines to a ring or post where a very strong, non-slip connection is needed.

Do I need to seize the end of the rope?

For extra peace of mind, many sailors will use a seizing knot or a zip tie to secure the bitter end of the rode to the standing part. This prevents any possibility of the knot working itself loose over a long period.

What if I don't have an anchor shackle?

The anchor bend can also be tied directly to the anchor's eye, though a shackle is the preferred connection point.

Related pages you may find interesting...

Round Turn and Two Half Hitches: How to Tie this Popular Knot
Quick, easy to tie and secure, the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches is ideal for mooring a boat to a dock.
The Double Fishermans Knot: How to Tie It & Where to Use It.
Quick and easy to tie, the Double Fishermans Knot is a much stronger and more reliable knot for joining two lines together than the reef knot.
Mastering the Clove Hitch: Your Go-To Knot for Sailors
Learn the clove hitch, the versatile knot for sailors. Our guide covers how to tie it, its best uses for fenders & mooring, and expert tips.
How to Tie a Bowline: The Sailor's "King of Knots" Explained
Master the essential bowline knot with our easy-to-follow guide. Learn the "rabbit and the hole" method, when to use it, & why it’s the most trusted knot on the water.
Figure of 8 Knot: A Step-by-Step Stopper Knot Guide
Learn to tie the essential figure of eight knot with our simple, step-by-step guide. Master this reliable stopper knot, a must-have for every sailor's skillset.
The Bowline on a Bight: How to Tie It & When To Use It...
Could the Bowline on a Bight save your life? Yes it could, and you wouldn't be the first!
How to Tie the Round Turn & Two Half-Hitches for Secure Mooring
Learn to tie the Round Turn & Two Half-Hitches, a reliable knot for mooring. This guide covers step-by-step instructions, essential uses, & why it's a must-have for every sailor.
The Clove Hitch Knot: How to Tie It and What to Use It For
One of the best known and useful knots aboard a boat, the clove hitch knot can be used to attach a line to a rail, a spar or another rope.
Learn the Rolling Hitch: A Sailor's Guide to Attaching Lines
Master the rolling hitch, a critical knot for sailors. Our guide shows you how to tie it step-by-step and shares expert tips & real-world uses on the water.
Reef Knot or a Granny Knot?
A Reef Knot tied incorrectly is likely to be the much inferior Granny Knot. Here's how to tie the Reef Knot without making an error.
The Rolling Hitch: How to Tie It & When to Use It
A very useful knot is the rolling hitch. It will slide along the object to which it's tied, and lock in position when a load is applied to the standing part.
The Figure of 8 Knot: How to Tie It and What's it for Anyway?
It's a stopper knot. The Figure of 8 Knot when tied in a sheet, halyard or other control line will stop it passing through a jammer or turning block when you'd much rather it didn't.
The Sheetbend: How to Tie It & When to Use It
The sheetbend is quick, easily tied but not particularly secure. Much more secure is the double sheet bend, also shown here...
The Anchor Bend Knot: How to Tie It & Why You Should Use It
Easy to tie and extremely reliable, the Anchor Bend Knot should be in every sailor's repertoire...
The Bowline Knot & the Double Bowline: How to Tie Both Versions Easily
The Bowline Knot is an essential sailing knot that all the crew must know how to tie - particularly with the quick & easy 'lightning method' - and here's how...
The Buntline Hitch: How to tie it and what are 'buntlines' anyway?
Another knot originating from days of old when ships were made of wood and men were made of steel. These days the buntline hitch is used for tying a rope to an object such as a ring or shackle.
Essential Sailing Knots & Splicing: The Ultimate Guide
Master essential sailing knots & splicing with our comprehensive guide. Learn their uses, history, and the anatomy of a perfect knot.
Master the Sheet Bend Knot: Your Guide to Joining Ropes & Lines
Learn how to tie the sheet bend—the essential knot for joining lines of different sizes. Master this critical skill for any sailing adventure.
Mastering the Reef Knot for Sailing & Beyond
Learn how to tie a proper reef knot for sailing with our simple guide. Discover its key applications & crucial safety tips to avoid a dangerous mistake.