Ankarolina

[Guest]

I have just returned from a land based trip to the Swedish west coast. Virtually everyone there seems to be using the neat Ankarolina system to moor, which seems to suit the way they moor (med style) perfectly. Does anyone have experience of using the Ankarolina?

 

[summerwind]

OK. I'll be the one to display my ignorance.

What is the Ankarolina system, please?

 

[yachtcharisma]

Can you elaborate? A quick Google search gave the impression that Ankarolina replaces your anchor chain with a roll of webbing. Is that it, or am I missing something? And if so, I'd have thought there were problems with lack of stretch compared to nylon rode, but perhaps I'm wrong. Interested to hear more.

Cheers
Patrick

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Sailing a Corribee
vzone.virgin.net/patrick.fox
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[Guest]

The Ankarolina is a reel of webbing strap contained in a neat wind in canister (depending on model, the webbing is up to 56 metres long) that is attached to the pushpit. An anchor is then attached to the end of the webbing. If required, a length of chain can also be added. I don't think there is much if any stretching.

 

[yachtcharisma]

But stretching is necessary in an anchor line, otherwise the peak forces transmitted to the anchor are too high and cause it to pull out and drag. Hence either stretchy nylon or the catenerary (sp?) of chain. So has anyone used this system for anchoring, and does it work?

Cheers
Patrick

==================
Sailing a Corribee
vzone.virgin.net/patrick.fox
==================

 

[steve_cronin]

Oh yes, there is some stretch

..about the same as a multiplat.

The Ankarolina needs ideal siting conditions. The reel is a bit flimsy and won't take much side force whilst being paid out or reeled in however once set you tie it off to a stern cleat. It is a real boon in the Med but you'll probably get the best idea if I say that although they are popular on private yachts, the charter fleets don't use em because of their vulnerability to damage by less than experienced clients.

I believe that there used to be a sports boat/runabout which was supplied with an Ankarolina as the standard bow anchor rode, built into the foredeck.

Steve Cronin

 

[steve_l]

Re: Oh yes, there is some stretch

Yep, got one mounted on my st'bd pushpit. 56m of 25mm webbing, which winds into a plastic reel, although a more expensive stainless wire "basket" type reel is also available.

Ideally suited to mooring bows on to a jetty or a convenient rock. Pays itself out after dropping the hook over the stern or hooking a mooring bouy, then edging slowly to your chosen landfall spot.Easy to wind in again using the provided plastic handle or a standard winch handle.
Many people here (Finland) sail singlehanded so the advantages are clear.

Don't see too many people just dropping the bower for lunch as common in the UK. Many small (under about 27ft) boats don't even have a bower.

Disadvantages...
Almost no stretch so it can snatch and drag the anchor (not a problem if on a bouy).
Needs to be set well.
Wouldn't trust the strength of it in a big blow (I also carry a second anchor on chain and nylon stowed in the bow - and am locally considered a little crazy for doing so!).

So, a useful, convenient, light duty mooring method that I wouldn't do without, but don't consign your chain to the deep in favour of it!

-steve_l-