RickyD
Guru
- Joined
- May 4, 2018
- Messages
- 793
- Location
- United States
- Vessel Name
- Aquarius
- Vessel Make
- Californian 55 CPMY
I have regularly asked those already anchored where their anchor is. This can be not only be helpful but establishes a concerned report with your neighbor. I use the "drop behind them" technique only when there is a reasonably strong current or wind and all boats are similarly lined up to indicate direction. And, being in southern California with a fairly large boat I'm frequently anchoring out. Last week it was in 136 feet of water. It was a temporary anchor so I only went out a little over 2:1. I have 500 ft of all chain. Later in the day I anchored overnight in 110 ft. I was out 3:1. Calm conditions. One thing that happens regularly: The sailboat behind me seemed to end up too close for comfort after I settled in. I almost pulled up and moved. I know they are going to swing differently than I so that puts me on notice. However, once in my dinghy I could see that I actually had good spacing that looked questionable from the fly bridge. Perspective matters. We were anchored for four days with wind and currents spinning us and we were never at odds. So a suggestion is to go visit your neighbors. See your boat from their perspective and it also gives them a chance to tell you if they are uncomfortable. I'll admit that only one time did someone ask me to give them more room and I did accommodate them.