Anchor Ball

[Roberto]

That's very interesting, I didn't know coded yachts need NUC signals. As you say, probably rarely used.

On the other hand, it makes me wonder what kit is mandated in the Blue Book, which is unknown to cruisers but might actually be a great idea to have on board.

To be sure do check again, it was like that a few years ago.
You surely know already but just in case, another very interesting document for safety equipment is the OSR Offshore Safety Regulations, one might think "it's for racers" but there are a lot of interesting suggestions for anyone. Ex. I printed/laminated their two pages about hypothermia -very good info in condensed format-, it's kept inside the chart table, just in case.
r.

 

[johnalison]

On our HR34, even just anchoring for lunch we fly a ball. We keep it in the anchor locker on a small shelf. Having a furling Genoa, we simply tie it with a clove hitch to the Genoa sheets. Staying longer, we take a line below the ball to a convenient place on deck. Without a furling Genoa, we would use the storm jib Hilliard. One minute maximum. So simple, it may help other boats, So, why not? It is hardly the trauma suggested by some posters.?

On our 34 I use the spinnaker uphaul halyard. It is not much trouble but in a recognised anchorage I tend to be bother-phobic.

 

[mjcoon]

To be sure do check again, it was like that a few years ago.
You surely know already but just in case, another very interesting document for safety equipment is the OSR Offshore Safety Regulations, one might think "it's for racers" but there are a lot of interesting suggestions for anyone. Ex. I printed/laminated their two pages about hypothermia -very good info in condensed format-, it's kept inside the chart table, just in case.
r.

Cold comfort, you might say...

 

[michael_w]

The Offshore Special Regulations are one of the reasons in a shit fight I'd rather be in a racing boat than a cruiser. Apart from the fact the racing boat will probably be better maintained; the racing boat has to carry equipment that many would scoff at. That equipment maybe the only thing standing between you and your god.

 

[capnsensible]

Sometimes known as the Chief Engineer's house flag.

Or for the window lickers, a get out of jail card whilst grubby people get even grubbier.