Anchors (again)

[[2574]]

I sold the Knox anchor to ansarkit. To be exact it will fit the CO32 anchor locker but it is very tight, tricky to retrieve and will only come out one way. This is made worse if the chain shifts under it at sea, when it can be impossible to remove without shifting the chain beneath the anchor. Not great if you are in a hurry.

The Rocna I now have is similar but a little better. I have 45mts of 8mm chain which meets most coastal circumstances in the Channel except, at times, around the bay of St Malo. I have some lengths of nylon for these times but don't attempt to stow them in the chain locker. I dig them out as needed, which is seldom; they serve double duty as long lines for rafting etc.
I may be selling the Rocna ( has anyone had more anchors than me?) as I now have a new Epsilon which, being quite short, is a much better fit but as yet it is still in the shed.

I vaguely recall trying a Manson Supreme, for fit, once and I do recommend you look at that. I believe Force 4 will sell you one and refund if it does not suit.

Personally I dislike anchor rope and it would be a right pain in a smaller anchor locker, stowing 30m and 15m of chain under a 10Kg Rocna would be a work of art.

.

I'd be interested to read of your experiences so far with the Epsilon. Are you pleased with it?

 

[doug748]

I'm sorry Robin, although I bought the anchor in the spring It is still not fitted. I may find time to sort it next week and at least have a little try out

 

[doug748]

I'd be interested to read of your experiences so far with the Epsilon. Are you pleased with it?

I have now used the 10kg Epsilon about half a dozen times mainly in good holding muddy sand but also in river mud and once in shell,st shingle.

You can't say much in mild weather and day/ 12 hours stops, it's not really a stiff challenge, however. It set well and quickly in good holding using my standard very laid back methodology under sail and seems hold on ok at short scope.
It held fine in a fresh N breeze below the Salt Stone in Salcombe ( a stony place one of my least favourite) despite the boat hunting 180deg in the wind over tide conditions. This is one of the few places that once defeated my Bruce. So far so good.

In size, it's short shank and overall dimensions are almost perfect for me. It fits easily in the locker in any orientation and I do not have to fuss with the chain to get things just right as I had to do with roll bar anchors. It's short shank means that it will not sit on the anchor roller without being restrained by the chain and always wants to self launch. This could be an advantage, for me it's a disadvantage but a turn of chain round a cleat holds it till required.
It is quite deep so does not fit through the lower guard wires quite as easily as others.


So not much help really. The question is: how much better is it than the 100 quid Delta or how much worse than the slew of anchors that cost 50 to 100 % more? No idea myself but I hope to use it further next season.

.

 

[[2574]]

I have now used the 10kg Epsilon about half a dozen times mainly in good holding muddy sand but also in river mud and once in shell,st shingle.

You can't say much in mild weather and day/ 12 hours stops, it's not really a stiff challenge, however. It set well and quickly in good holding using my standard very laid back methodology under sail and seems hold on ok at short scope.
It held fine in a fresh N breeze below the Salt Stone in Salcombe ( a stony place one of my least favourite) despite the boat hunting 180deg in the wind over tide conditions. This is one of the few places that once defeated my Bruce. So far so good.

In size, it's short shank and overall dimensions are almost perfect for me. It fits easily in the locker in any orientation and I do not have to fuss with the chain to get things just right as I had to do with roll bar anchors. It's short shank means that it will not sit on the anchor roller without being restrained by the chain and always wants to self launch. This could be an advantage, for me it's a disadvantage but a turn of chain round a cleat holds it till required.
It is quite deep so does not fit through the lower guard wires quite as easily as others.


So not much help really. The question is: how much better is it than the 100 quid Delta or how much worse than the slew of anchors that cost 50 to 100 % more? No idea myself but I hope to use it further next season.

.

Thanks, further reports next year will be valuable. Likewise my new Vulcan has performed well but so far hasn’t been challenged. This summer, in Scotland, I reckon a Broads mud weight would’ve been more than adequate! Will do a proper report when we’ve experienced 25kts at anchor.

 

[LittleSister]

Thanks, further reports next year will be valuable. Likewise my new Vulcan has performed well but so far hasn’t been challenged. This summer, in Scotland, I reckon a Broads mud weight would’ve been more than adequate! Will do a proper report when we’ve experienced 25kts at anchor.

In order to assist you with your enquiries, I've been in touch with the Met Office, and they've kindly agreed to supply a few instalments of 25 knot winds over the next few months.

 

[Neeves]

Might I suggest you don't intentionally anchor out in 25 knots for the sake of science and a forum. Let bad luck take is toll. Please choose your locations to anchor to allow you the pleasure of anchoring, no need for the anguish - science and the forum can wait.

Jonathan

 

[NormanS]

Might I suggest you don't intentionally anchor out in 25 knots for the sake of science and a forum. Let back luck take is toll. Please choose your locations to anchor to allow you the pleasure of anchoring, no need for the anguish - science and the forum can wait.

Jonathan

If you think that being anchored in 25 knots leads to anguish, don't go sailing on the West Coast of Scotland.

 

[Neeves]

If you think that being anchored in 25 knots leads to anguish, don't go sailing on the West Coast of Scotland.

I think you are well experienced and will know . When using a new anchor for which there is very little user feedback and the little there is might be considered questionable - I'd suggest caution and be careful. Once confidence is achieved I'd have no qualms - except I don't have an Epsilon (in fact never seen on 'in the flesh' - Covid closed all our chandlers). I think the West Coast of Scotland share many similarities to Tasmania, including weather - I would not recommend anyone to test an anchor there as it might, or not, cause anguish - Spade, Excel, Viking - no issues, no anguish.

Jonathan

 

[NormanS]

I think you are well experienced and will know . When using a new anchor for which there is very little user feedback and the little there is might be considered questionable - I'd suggest caution and be careful. Once confidence is achieved I'd have no qualms - except I don't have an Epsilon (in fact never seen on 'in the flesh' - Covid closed all our chandlers). I think the West Coast of Scotland share many similarities to Tasmania, including weather - I would not recommend anyone to test an anchor there as it might, or not, cause anguish - Spade, Excel, Viking - no issues, no anguish.

Jonathan

I've been to Tasmania, and one of the things that struck me, even on the exposed west coast, was the luxuriant tree cover. Trees are excellent at absorbing the strength of the wind. The wilder and woolier Western and Northern Isles of Scotland are notable for their lack of trees, so it is much more difficult to avoid the full strength of the wind. (Sorry for the thread drift).

 

[Neeves]

I've been to Tasmania, and one of the things that struck me, even on the exposed west coast, was the luxuriant tree cover. Trees are excellent at absorbing the strength of the wind. The wilder and woolier Western and Northern Isles of Scotland are notable for their lack of trees, so it is much more difficult to avoid the full strength of the wind. (Sorry for the thread drift).

The west coast of Tas is famous for its trees, specifically for boat building, go right to the bottom, or south west - there are trees but they are only 200mm high (and thus not offering much shelter). On the more sheltered east coast - many more trees.

This is Bramble Cove, named after HMS Bramble (the survey ship (sail). This is all part of Port Davey, on the SW coast. The long island has the imaginative name of Breaksea Island. Roughly direct ahead from the photo - the next land is Antartica and to the left - the Roaring Forties and Patagonia. We are anchored just off the beach. Not so many trees offering shelter - but the crayfish on the Southern Ocean side of Breaksea are worthy the effort. The hill, which we were climbing, has the truly evocative name of Mount Misery (origins of the name - unknown).



Its more similar to Scotland's north west than the rest of Tas and totally different to the rest of Oz. Part of the attraction - nostalgia.

Access to Port Davey is by sea, private vessel or by a 6 seat 2 engined light aircraft - the Police maintain an airstrip further into the, extensive, Port Davey.

Jonathan