Summary
Guide: everything you need to know about anchoring
Anchoring a boat is a maneuver that consists of immobilizing the boat at sea, using an anchor, chain or rope. It's an essential maneuver for any yachtsman, whether you're taking a break, spending the night or dealing with damage. But anchoring is not as simple as it may seem: you need to choose the right location, use the right equipment, respect regulations and other users, and ensure the safety of your boat and crew.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about boat mooring: This guide aims to provide an in-depth understanding of mooring, covering its definition, how it works and the regulations surrounding it. From selecting the ideal location to choosing the right equipment, not forgetting good environmental and safety practices, this article will help you master the fundamental aspects of boat mooring. Enjoy your reading!
Guide: everything you need to know about anchoring
Anchoring a boat is a maneuver that consists of immobilizing the boat at sea, using an anchor, chain or rope. It's an essential maneuver for any yachtsman, whether you're taking a break, spending the night or dealing with damage. But anchoring is not as simple as it may seem: you need to choose the right location, use the right equipment, respect regulations and other users, and ensure the safety of your boat and crew.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about boat mooring: This guide aims to provide an in-depth understanding of mooring, covering its definition, how it works and the regulations surrounding it. From selecting the ideal location to choosing the right equipment, not forgetting good environmental and safety practices, this article will help you master the fundamental aspects of boat mooring. Enjoy your reading!
What is boat mooring?
Definition of boat mooring
Different terms can be used to indicate anchorage. We speak of stopping, anchoring when anchored, mooring and parking. Anchoring a boat is simply the action of securing a boat to a specific location using devices such as an anchor, chains and ropes. It's a technique that enables a vessel to remain stationary, whether on the high seas, near a coastline or in a harbor.
Anchoring is essential for a variety of situations, such as extended stops, rest periods and fishing activities, as well as for avoiding hazards such as storms or strong currents. There are different types of mooring and different regulations, depending on the equipment used, the duration and the purpose of parking. But techniques will also vary according to the weather, depth, current etc...
Different types of mooring
Single anchoring is the most common and easiest anchoring technique. It consists of dropping an anchor at the bow of the boat, then backing off by reeling in the anchor line until the anchor sinks to the bottom. This method allows the boat to dodge around its anchor according to wind and current. Anchoring with a single anchor requires little equipment or maneuvering, but you must take care to choose a good place to anchor, maintain a sufficient ratio between the length of the anchor line and the depth of the water, and regularly monitor the boat's behavior.
Anchoring is a mooring technique that involves dropping two V-shaped anchors in front of the boat, at an angle of between 60 and 120 degrees. This method limits the vessel's turning radius. Note, however, that this method does not improve anchor holding in bad weather, as the anchors work in succession rather than at the same time. For best holding, we recommend maintaining a maximum angle of 30 degrees between the two anchor lines. It's also worth mentioning that furling is used when the wind picks up quickly and there's no time to furl.
Anchoring is the process of adding a second anchor line to the main anchor. This second line is longer than the water depth. It is particularly useful in bad weather, as it improves resistance to strong winds. The two anchors work in the same axis, which considerably increases the holding power of the anchor. To facilitate retrieval of the anchor, it is advisable to leave a distance between the two anchors greater than the depth of the water, allowing the first anchor to be retrieved while the other is still on the bottom. It should be noted that anchoring requires anticipation when mooring, as both anchors must be correctly buried. In addition, care must be taken when retrieving the anchor to avoid possible entanglement of the two lines. Anchored lines offer greater stability and strength, especially in difficult weather conditions, but can be more complex to set up than single-anchor mooring.
Embossing is a mooring technique that consists of adding a mooring at the stern of the boat in addition to the main anchor at the bow. This method keeps the boat on its axis, particularly in areas where it is impossible to avoid, such as rivers. Embossing is often used when the boat is very close to the coast or when the surrounding area is congested. This technique is designed to eliminate turning, i.e. the rotation of the boat around its anchor. However, it should be noted that embossing is best suited to calm weather conditions, as if the wind is coming from the beam, the anchors won't work properly, which can affect anchor holding. Embossing can be achieved by using one anchor at the bow of the boat (the main anchor) and another at the stern (known as the "strait anchor" or secondary anchor), thus keeping the boat in line with the current or in a specific position, for example during deliberate grounding.
The beard anchorage is a less commonly used method. It offers the advantage of work on two anchors at the same time. To perform this technique, you must first drop the first anchor, then back off about twenty metres before dropping the second anchor and threading the desired length of line. However, it is essential to take care not to tangle the two anchor lines. The "beard" technique presents two potential problems: it is less efficient than other anchoring methods, and there is a risk of entangling the anchor lines.
Anchoring on a trunk (or mooring buoy) offers a number of advantages: they protect the seabed by avoiding negative impact, and they also offer a secure solution thanks to their solid anchoring in the ground. The term "trunk" is most often used to describe a "dead body" (a concrete block weighing up to 4 tonnes) which is placed on the seabed and from which a buoy attached to a chain rises. To attach yourself to a trunk, prepare a strong mooring line at the bow of your boat, use a boat hook in case the trunk is lower than your boat, approach the trunk facing the prevailing element (wind or current) at reduced speed, grab the mooring line with your boat hook and make sure you tie up securely. In some situations, it may be necessary to tie up to two lockers using the same technique.
Choice of mooring area and preparation
How do you choose a place to wet?
The choice of anchorage location depends on several factors, such as :
- Weather and its evolution : choose an anchorage sheltered from prevailing winds and waves, and anticipate any changes in wind direction or strength.
- The tide : you need to know the maximum and minimum water level for the duration of the anchorage, and make sure you always have enough bottom under the boat to avoid running aground. Note: at low tide, the turning circle is larger than at high tide.
- The nature of the seabed : prefer sandy or muddy seabeds, which provide a good grip for the anchor, and avoid rocky or coral seabeds, which can damage the anchor or local flora.
- The space available: you need to keep a sufficient distance from other boats, the coast or obstacles, taking into account the boat's avoidance zone, i.e. the circle it describes around its anchor according to the wind and current.
- Ease of disembarkation : you need to take into account the possibility and comfort of getting ashore with a dinghy or by swimming, depending on your needs or desires.
How to prepare wetting equipment
The equipment required for wetting includes :
- An anchor adapted to the type of bottom and the weight of the boat. There are many different types of anchor, some of which seek to penetrate the bottom, while others simply cling to it. It is advisable to have at least two anchors on board, one primary and one secondary, to cope with different situations.
- A mooring line made of chain or rope, or a combination of the two. Chain offers more weight and strength than rope, but is also bulkier and noisier. Rope offers more flexibility and elasticity than chain, but is also more susceptible to wear and knots. The length of the mooring line should be at least three times the height of the water in calm weather, and at least ten times in strong winds.
- Windlass, davit and cleat for effortless lifting and locking of the mooring line. The attachment point must be solid and secure. The windlass can be manual or electric.
- Gloves and boots to protect hands and feet when handling anchor and mooring line.
Which anchor to choose?
To choose the right anchor for your boat, you need to take the following into account:
- The type of seabed on which you wish to anchor will determine the shape and penetration capacity of the anchor. There are anchors adapted to soft bottoms (sand, mud), such as flat anchors or plow anchors, and anchors adapted to hard bottoms (rock, coral), etc. (see anchor/ground type table).
- The weight and length of the boat will determine the size and weight of the anchor. Choose an anchor that is proportional to the boat, neither too light nor too heavy, and take into account the boat's windage (see boat weight/size table).
- The anchor's material will influence its resistance to corrosion and wear. Anchors are available in galvanized steel, stainless steel or aluminum. Galvanized steel anchors are the most common and least expensive, but can rust over time. Stainless steel anchors are more aesthetic and durable, but also more expensive. Aluminum anchors are lighter and easier to handle, but also more fragile and less suited to hard bottoms.
- Installation on board, which will depend on the space available and the anchor's lifting system. Choose an anchor that is compatible with the boat's davit, i.e. the support that holds the anchor to the bow of the boat. It's also important to choose an anchor that's easy to store in the chain hoistway or in a locker.
Which anchor for which soil type?
= Recommended 
= Moderately suitable 
= Not recommended
Bruce anchor |
Anchor Plough |
Toggle anchor |
Jas anchor |
Grapple |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vase | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
| Mud | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ❌ |
| Sand | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Algae | ❌ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Roche | ⚠️ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ |
What anchor weight for different boat sizes?
| Boat length | Moving the boat | Minimum anchor weight | Chain diameter | Cable diameter | Shackle diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 4m | 300 Kg | 3.5 Kg | 6 mm | 6-8 mm | 8 mm |
| 5.50m | 800 Kg | 6 Kg | 6 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm |
| 6.50m | 1,000 Kg | 8 Kg | 6-7 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm |
| 7,50 m | 2000 Kg | 10 kg | 8 mm | 14 mm | 10 mm |
| 9 m | 3000 Kg | 12 Kg | 8 mm | 14 mm | 10 mm |
| 10,50 m | 4500 Kg | 14 Kg | 8 mm | 14 mm | 10 mm |
| 12,50 m | 8000 Kg | 16 Kg | 10 mm | 18 mm | 12 mm |
Please note that the values given are general estimates and may vary according to other factors specific to your boat.
We recommend that you consult the anchor manufacturer's specifications.
Recommended chain length
To know how much mooring line to put in the water, you need to take into account the height of the water under the boat, which depends on several factors:
- The depth indicated on the map, which is the height of water at low tide.
- The tidal range, which is the difference in water height between high and low tide.
- Bow height, which is the distance between the boat's deck and the surface of the water.
The sum of these three elements gives the actual height of water under the boat. Then multiply this height by a ratio (e.g. 3 or 10, depending on conditions) to obtain the length of mooring to be deployed.
For example, if the charted depth is 5 meters, the tidal range is 2 meters, the bow height is 1 meter, and the ratio is 3, then the length of mooring to be launched is : (5 + 2 + 1) x 3 = 24 meters.
The ratio depends on the expected duration and conditions:
- Anchoring yourself for a meal: a 3/1 ratio
- Anchoring yourself for the night in calm weather: a 5:1 ratio
- Anchor for the night if the wind blows: a 7:1 ratio
- Anchoring for the night in heavy weather: a 10/1 ratio
How to carry out the wetting manoeuvre?
Safety at anchor
Once the boat has been positioned in a suitable anchorage area, and before starting the simple anchoring manoeuvre below, there are several safety points to consider and check:
- Make sure you have easy access to the mooring area at all times.
- Check tide times and heights before anchoring.
- Use the appropriate anchor for the type of seabed.
- Take safety precautions to avoid person-at-sea situations at night, such as stowing the boat properly and attaching a buoyant line with a lifebuoy.
- Activate a displacement alarm, like the one on a GPS tracker, to be warned in case of drift.
- Don't forget to light the anchor light in accordance with current regulations.
Single mooring
Simple mooring manoeuvre with a single anchor :
- Find a suitable anchorage area. (see Choosing an anchorage area).
- Approach the area into the wind (observing the orientation of other boats is a good indication of which direction to approach).
- Place the chain on the davit andpull out the required chain length (see Recommended chain length).
- Lower the anchor gradually, by hand or with the windlass (with a windlass use a claw: a rope attached to the chain and cleat to relieve the windlass).
- When the anchor touches the bottom, back off at half throttle for 30 sec to hook the anchor.
- Check the anchor regularly to make sure it remains secure by applying tension to the chain.
LIFT THE ANCHOR
Manoeuvre to raise the anchor and get out of the anchorage (ideally with 2 people):
- The helmsman starts the engine and slowly jerks forward, taking care not to pass over the anchor chain.
- The bowman takes up the hawser's slack while indicating to the helmsman the direction to follow. Once all the hawser slack has been taken up, he informs the helmsman that he is " on long tack".
- The crew member continues to take up the hawser slack until the boat is " on the beam". He then alerts the helmsman, who puts the engine in neutral.
- The crew member unhooks and reels in the anchor, then informs the helmsman that it is unhooked.
- The helmsman maneuvers gently with the engine, giving the crew member time to stow and properly stabilize the anchor on the davit or in the anchor well.
Respecting the environment
Mooring your boat during a stopover or for an extended anchorage does not simply mean dropping the anchor in the water and carrying out the appropriate maneuver. As a sailor, it's vital to realize that anchoring is much more than a simple mechanical action. It's a responsibility towards the fragile marine environment that surrounds us. To preserve marine ecosystems and minimize our impact, here are 4 fundamental principles to respect:
- Careful choice of anchorage location : Carefully selecting suitable anchorage areas is essential. We must give preference to designated or authorized anchorage locations, while avoiding sensitive areas such as seagrass beds, coral reefs and the habitats of protected species.
- Responsible use of anchor lockers: When available, it's best to use specially designed anchor lockers. These devices provide a secure anchor and reduce impact on the fragile seabed. We must respect the rules of use and avoid damaging them by dragging them along the seabed.
- Comply with local regulations : As responsible boaters, we need to familiarize ourselves with the regulations specific to each sailing area. These include chain-length restrictions, no-anchoring zones and seasonal closures. By respecting these rules, we contribute to preserving the environment and ensuring harmonious cohabitation.
- Preventing marine pollution : Throughout the mooring maneuver, we must be careful to avoid any form of pollution. This means not throwing waste or toxic substances into the sea, using biodegradable products and complying with wastewater regulations. We must also monitor potential oil or fuel leaks and react quickly in the event of an accidental spill.
Mooring regulations and best practices
Mastering your boating license is essential for safe boat handling, including anchoring. Indeed, knowing how to set anchor correctly requires a thorough knowledge of navigation techniques.Before setting sail, make sure you have all the equipment you need to navigate and anchor your boat. Makesure you have the mandatory equipment on board, as specified in this document from the French Ministry of Ecological Transition and Solidarity on safety equipment for pleasure boats.
Anchoring your boat means complying with specific maritime regulations governing the practice of anchoring. These regulations vary from region to region, depending on national laws and local rules, and are designed to ensure maritime safety, protect the marine environment and regulate the use of anchorage areas. They may include restrictions on the locations authorized for anchoring, rules on distances between anchored boats, safety equipment requirements, as well as measures to prevent pollution and minimize damage to the seabed.
Regulated anchorage area
Mooring, an attractive alternative to pontoon berths
Alongside the main ports in the public maritime domain, mooring and light-equipment zones (ZMEL ) have been developed outside the boundaries of marinas to meet the needs of pleasure boaters on the coast.
MELZs are areas where mooring buoys are installed to accommodate to accommodate boats in conditions that respect both safety and environmental protection imperatives.
Owning a pontoon berth can be expensive for a sailboat, both financially and in terms of availability. Waiting lists are often long and prices high, which can deter owners of smaller yachts. Faced with this reality, mooring appears to be an excellent alternative.
With the yachting market becoming increasingly tight, and many boat owners retired, building new berths seems unrealistic. Mooring offers undeniable advantages: it's more sustainable, has less impact on the environment and is more affordable. What's more, waiting lists for berths are generally shorter, especially in lesser-known areas.
To use the light-equipment anchorage area, it is imperative to present a valid insurance certificate for the pleasure craft, issued by its owner. A detailed set of rules governs navigation, covering aspects such as buoyage, the safety of people and property, and the prevention of accidents and pollution. It is the operator's responsibility to bring these rules to the attention of users, generally by means of visible signage. The authorization holder may be held responsible for the safety and health of the site.
It should also be emphasized that legal rules designed to protect the environment apply rigorously. For example, certain areas may be strictly off-limits to boats that do not have wastewater storage or treatment systems up to standard. In addition, certain activities may be prohibited.
Wild anchorage
Is it possible to anchor anywhere, even outside a restricted area?
Yes and no. In fact, "wild" anchoring outside organized zones such as the MELZs may be conditionally authorized, but also expressly prohibited. Fairground anchoring outside regulated anchorage zones may be prohibited in order to limit damage to the marine environment.
For example, decree no. 123/2019 sets the general framework for anchoring and stopping vessels in French inland and territorial waters in the Mediterranean. It specifies that it is forbidden to anchor in an area corresponding to a habitat of protected marine plant species, i.e. the Posidonia meadow .The areas concerned and the thresholds for vessels (length) will be set by the Préfet Maritime for the coastline of each département.
He reminds us that contact by radio (VHF 16) or, if the vessel is not equipped with one, by telephone must be possible at all times between the vessel and the authorities.
Fairground anchoring is authorized as long as it does not exceed a certain duration, while the notion of wild anchoring refers to prolonged, unauthorized occupation of a given location without respecting the applicable rules and authorizations. This can include exceeding a specific duration, often from a few days to a few weeks, during which a boat may be authorized to anchor in a given area. To anchor your boat, we recommend that you apply for a temporary occupation permit (AOT). And find out about mooring zones (Natura2000, ZMEL etc...).