Anchoring Manoeuvre: How to Anchor Safely in Altea

Anchoring is one of the most important manoeuvres we need to carry out during a day at sea. Over the course of the day, we will spend a good part of our time in coves and beaches, so we need to be sure that the anchor has been properly set and that the boat will remain firm and stable while we enjoy the sea.

When anchoring is done properly, the whole experience changes: you can swim, eat, rest or relax with confidence. On the other hand, poor anchoring can turn a fantastic day into an uncomfortable or even dangerous situation. That is why it is worth understanding the manoeuvre properly, following a clear order and not taking any step for granted.

In this guide, we explain how to carry out a safe anchoring manoeuvre, what you should check before anchoring, how to make sure the anchor is holding properly and what to keep in mind when lifting the anchor so you can continue sailing without problems.

The weather

The first thing we need to consider is the weather conditions we have at that moment and the conditions we are likely to have while we are anchored. We should always look for shelter from both the wind and the swell, and for that it is essential to have a clear forecast.

It is not enough to check the weather when leaving the marina. You also need to think about how the wind and sea state may evolve while you are stopped in a cove. A place that feels comfortable when you arrive may stop being so a few hours later if the wind picks up or changes direction.

Nowadays it is very easy to check the forecast using apps such as Windy or MeteoMarine. Reviewing them before and during the day is a very good habit, especially in summer, when changes in wind and busy coves can make anchoring more complicated.

Choosing a good place to anchor

Once you have chosen a sheltered area, you need to find a suitable anchoring spot: an area with a soft seabed and with an appropriate depth. As we usually sail motorboats with a shallow draft, we can get closer to the coast than some other vessels, but that does not mean we should do so without properly assessing the surroundings.

Remember that anchoring is prohibited in access channels to ports, coves and beaches when they are buoyed, as well as inside properly marked swimming areas. If the beach is not buoyed, the safety distance is 200 metres. These areas must always be respected, both for your own safety and for the safety of others using the sea.

It is also very important to remember that it is strictly forbidden to anchor on posidonia seagrass meadows. These marine plants, endemic to the Mediterranean, produce large amounts of oxygen and provide shelter for numerous species. Unfortunately, in recent years their population has declined significantly due to indiscriminate anchoring and poor practices.

Before considering the manoeuvre complete, it is worth checking four basic points:

• Shelter from the wind and swell
• Suitable seabed and enough depth
• Distance from other boats
• Enough clear space for the swing circle

If you are also planning a full day at sea, it may help to review our guide on what to bring on board for a day out at sea, so everything is ready before you leave.

The anchoring manoeuvre

Once we are clear about the area and the type of seabed, it is time to anchor. To do this, the anchor should be unlashed and hanging ready to be dropped. These are the steps worth following to anchor properly:

1. Bow to the wind and very little speed. Once positioned with the bow to the wind and enough movement to maintain steerage, we visualise the place where we want the boat to end up. We then move a few metres ahead of the chosen point, always controlling the depth and our distance from other boats.
2. Prepare the anchoring gear properly. We need to check that the anchor, chain and rope are correctly arranged and free of tangles so that, when we let them go, no problems arise.
3. Lower the anchor slowly. Once the place is chosen and we are positioned slightly ahead of where we want to remain, we lower the anchor little by little, without rushing and while keeping full control of the boat.
4. Let it reach the seabed before engaging reverse. While paying out the chain, we remain out of gear until the anchor and part of the chain touch the bottom. Once it is down, we use a little reverse on the engine so that the anchor digs in properly and the line stays straight without piling up.
5. Pay out the right amount of chain. We should gradually release the necessary amount of chain so that it remains under tension and aligned with the anchor. In good conditions, the usual guideline is between three and four times the depth. In bad weather or on doubtful holding ground, it is advisable to increase that to five or six times the depth.
6. Check that the boat is not dragging. Once anchored, we can observe the movement of the anchor line. If it remains constantly tight and vibrating, it usually means the anchor has not set properly and the boat is moving backwards. If the chain tightens and loosens gently, almost like a spring, that is usually a sign that the anchor is holding well.
7. Take visual references. We need to make sure we have left enough clearance from nearby boats. Ideally, we should take two transit lines or visual references on shore, one on each side, or activate a depth or drag alarm.
8. Watch the swing circle. One of the most important things while anchored is to check whether the wind direction changes. This affects the swing of the boat, that is, the circular movement the boat makes around the anchor. We must ensure that the entire circle remains clear of rocks, other boats or any kind of hazard.
9. Also observe the movement of other boats. In summer it is almost impossible to have as much space as we would like in a cove or on a beach. There will be other boats nearby, so if the wind changes we will need to watch not only our own swing, but also theirs, as not every boat will turn at the same time.
10. Switch off the engine and put out fenders only when the anchoring is secure. Once we can see that the boat is not dragging and that the swing circle is safe, we can switch off the engine and put out fenders if the situation requires it.
11. Never stop keeping an eye on the boat. Under no circumstances should the boat be left unattended while anchored. If any damage occurs through negligence, the insurance may not cover it.
12. Enjoy the day with peace of mind. Anchoring is not a difficult manoeuvre, but it does require order and attention. When we are sure we have anchored well, we stop worrying about whether the boat may drag or collide with others, and we can truly enjoy the day at sea.

Common anchoring mistakes

Most anchoring problems usually come from very similar mistakes. Avoiding them is the easiest way to gain confidence and stay safe throughout the day.

• Choosing an exposed area without thinking about how the wind may change.
• Anchoring with too little chain and losing holding power.
• Not checking the swing circle and ending up too close to other boats.
• Switching off the engine too soon without properly confirming that the anchor is holding.
• Forgetting about the boat once anchored, instead of continuing to monitor the surroundings.

Quick checklist before switching off the engine

• Is the area sheltered?
• Are the depth and seabed suitable?
• Have you paid out enough chain?
• Is the anchor holding properly?
• Do you have enough room for the swing circle?
• Have you taken visual references or activated an alarm?

Lifting the anchor

This manoeuvre does not usually take as long as anchoring itself, but it is still important for the crew to stay alert and, if possible, for there to be at least one person at the bow and another at the helm.

1. Start the engines and check the area. We start the engines, making sure first that there are no swimmers near the boat.
2. Make sure everything is ready before getting underway. It is worth checking that the bathing ladder is properly stowed or secured, and that there are no loose items — towels, diving masks or any other equipment — that could fall into the water once the boat starts moving.
3. Raise the anchor with help and without overloading the windlass. Ideally, someone should assist from the bow and indicate where the chain is coming in and where the anchor is located, making the manoeuvre easier from the helm. We should only heave the anchor up when we are almost directly above it. The windlass should never be forced to work harder than necessary, as it could be damaged.
4. Retrieve the last few metres slowly. The final metres should be brought in carefully to prevent the anchor from hitting the hull. Once on board, we secure it properly, collect the fenders if we have put them out and then set course for our next destination.

Final tip

Anchoring well is, above all, a matter of order, observation and calm. It is not a difficult manoeuvre, but it does require following a logical sequence and avoiding rushed decisions. Choosing the right area, paying out the right amount of chain, checking that the anchor is holding and keeping an eye on the swing circle will make the difference between a peaceful stop and an uncomfortable situation.

If you are looking for beautiful places to enjoy a day at sea, you can also get inspired by our boat routes and destinations from Altea.