Anchoring Etiquette: A Guide to Stress-Free Anchorages

In a Nutshell...

Navigating crowded anchorages requires a blend of preparation, skill, and neighbourly courtesy. The key to a stress-free experience lies in meticulous planning, understanding your equipment, mastering proper anchoring techniques, and practising respectful communication with other sailors.

No stress here, at St Pierre anchorage, Martinique

What is Anchoring Etiquette? It's About Finding Your Spot & Keeping It.
Before You Let Go: Planning Your Perfect Drop
Getting a Good Hold: It's All in the Bottom
Mastering the Drop: The Art of the Perfect Set
Smart Sailing: Tech That Keeps You Safe
Being a Good Neighbour: The Social Side of Anchoring
Taking Care of the Bay & Your Boat
When Things Go Wrong: Handling Sticky Situations
Summing Up
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anchoring Etiquette? It's About Finding Your Spot & Keeping It.

You've found that perfect anchorage. The water's crystal-clear, the sunset is incredible, and... there's already a dozen other boats jostling for position. It's a common scenario, and it doesn't have to be a nightmare. Mastering anchoring etiquette is the secret to a stress-free experience.

Think of it less as a list of stuffy rules and more as a simple code of conduct. It's about respecting the shared space, staying safe, and making sure everyone—including you—gets to enjoy the peace and quiet we all head out for.

Before You Let Go: Planning Your Perfect Drop

Even before you think about dropping anchor, a little homework will save you a world of hurt.

Dig Into the Charts & Know the Bottom: Don't just give the chart a quick once-over. Take a proper look at the depth contours, and more importantly, the bottom type. As a matter of fact, knowing the difference between mud and rock is a game-changer. I learned this the hard way in Pricky Bay, Grenada, where what looked like a clear space on the chart was a tricky spot that demanded a different approach. Charts from Navionics and the Admiralty are invaluable, but local knowledge from online forums like CruisersForum and ActiveCaptain is worth its weight in gold.

Triple-Check the Weather: Don't just rely on one forecast. Compare a few, like the Met Office, NOAA, and Windy.com, to get a clearer picture of what's coming. That'll tell you how much chain you're going to need and if you should be rethinking your spot.

Get Your Gear Ready: Is your anchor up to the task? I once saw a boat with a too-small anchor for its size dragging straight through a busy bay in a squall. It's just not worth the risk. Make sure your anchor type and size are a good match for your boat. Don't skimp on rode length, either. A 5:1 scope is a minimum, and you'll want more if bad weather's on the way. Give your anchor chain and line a thorough once-over before you get there.

Set That Anchor Alarm: This thing is your best friend. Apps like Anchor Pro or a dedicated GPS alarm can save you from a lot of sleepless nights. It’s got to be working before you need it.

Getting a Good Hold: It's All in the Bottom

The seabed's a different kettle of fish everywhere you go, and how your anchor bites depends on what's down there.

Sand & Mud: These are generally the best-holding bottoms. Your anchor will bury itself in deep and give you great peace of mind

Rock: This is tricky business. Your anchor might get a firm hold, or it could get snagged and be a pain to retrieve. A trip line's a sensible bit of kit to have here.

Weed: Getting a good hold in a weedy bottom is notoriously difficult. The flukes can't get through to the seabed and just sit on top of the weed. You might need a specific anchor for this, or just be prepared to try a few times until you find a clear patch.

Mastering the Drop: The Art of the Perfect Set

As you come into the anchorage, go slow and take it all in.

Check the Swing Room: Imagine your boat swinging in a wide circle as the wind and tide change. That's your swing circle. You need to respect other boats' circles, so don't get too close.

VHF, a Friendly Wave & a Shout: A quick "Any room to anchor on the north end?" on the VHF can save you and everyone else a lot of hassle. It's about being proactive and friendly.

Pick Your Spot Wisely: The best spot isn't always the closest to the beach. It's the one that gives you and everyone else enough room. Once you've picked it, set your anchor properly. Back down on it firmly and visually confirm its position with a couple of transit marks on shore.

Stay on Top of Your Scope: Adjust your rode length as the tide changes. A good anchor watch is crucial, especially when the weather's doing its own thing.

Smart Sailing: Tech That Keeps You Safe

Modern tech has made anchoring a lot easier, so it's a good idea to use it.

AIS: If you've got it, use it. AIS is a game-changer in a crowded anchorage. It shows you exactly where other boats are and what they're doing, so you can see if someone's dragging their anchor and get on the radio to them before things get messy.

Mousing Your Anchor Shackle: This is a small thing that's hugely important. The constant movement of your boat can work shackle pins loose. Just put a bit of stainless steel wire or a cable tie through the pin to stop it from unscrewing. This simple trick could save you from losing your anchor.

Being a Good Neighbour: The Social Side of Anchoring

Anchoring isn't just about your boat; it's about the little community that forms in the bay.

Mind the Noise: Sound travels incredibly well over water. Keep voices down, turn down the music, and be mindful of your engine, especially in the early morning and late at night. If you're running a generator, try to do it during sociable hours. Everyone will thank you for it.

Watch the Lights: Don't be that person with a bright deck light shining into everyone's saloon. Use your lights sparingly, keep them dim, and avoid pointing a spotlight at other boats. It's not just polite; it helps keep the magic of a starlit night alive.

Look Out for Dinghy Traffic: Be mindful of the wake you're creating when you're buzzing around in the dinghy. And when you tie up at the dinghy dock, make sure you're not blocking others.

Taking Care of the Bay & Your Boat

As sailors, we've got a responsibility to look after the sea.

Managing Waste: Never discharge your holding tank in a crowded anchorage. It's just not on. Use pump-out facilities ashore. It's a simple part of being a good neighbour and a responsible boater.

Rubbish: Keep all your rubbish sealed and on board. Take it ashore for proper disposal.

When Things Go Wrong: Handling Sticky Situations

Even with the best planning, things can go sideways.

Have a Plan B: If the anchorage is too busy, be prepared to move on to a less crowded spot. Know where the nearest safe harbour is and how you'd get your anchor up quickly if you needed to.

Dragging Anchor: If you find you're dragging, get on top of it straight away. Re-anchor, move, and let your neighbours know what’s going on.

Rafting Up: This can work if you know the other boat and you're both comfortable with it. It requires clear communication and agreement on who's responsible for what.

Summing Up

Anchoring in a crowded bay doesn't have to be a source of stress. It's a shared space where a little preparation, a lot of courtesy, and a keen eye for detail will ensure you and your fellow sailors have a safe and enjoyable time. We're all in this together, and a mindful approach goes a long way. For a more comprehensive look at all things anchoring, from ground tackle selection to advanced techniques, check out our in-depth article, The Definitive Guide to Anchoring a Boat. The next time you drop anchor, you’ll be ready not just to find a spot, but to be a great neighbour, too.

This article was written by Dick McClary, RYA Yachtmaster and author of 'Offshore Sailing' published by the Royal Yachting Association ( RYA) and member of The Yachting Journalists Association (YJA).

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best anchor scope?

The rule of thumb is 5:1 in calm conditions, which means your rode should be five times the depth of the water plus the distance from your deck to the water. In rougher weather, you should increase it to 7:1 or more.

How do I know my anchor's holding?

After you've dropped it, back down on the line slowly using your engine. Watch the rode for a steady strain, and check for a change in position relative to a fixed object on shore. An anchor alarm is the most reliable way to monitor it all night.

Is it okay to anchor near a moored boat?

It's best to stay clear. Moored boats are attached to a fixed point, so their swing circle is different from an anchored boat's. You risk a collision if the wind or tide changes.

How should I deal with a boat that anchors too close?

Just be polite. Get on the VHF or use your dinghy to go over and explain the situation calmly. Most people will be happy to move once they realise they've anchored too close for comfort.

What's the best way to handle dinghy wakes?

If a dinghy is creating a wake, you can politely hail them on the VHF to ask them to slow down. It happens, and most people are happy to comply once they realise what they're doing.