The forecast was for light east to southeast breeze , starting around midnight. The GFS model got the time and direction, but as you can see above, was a little off on velocity. This 90 degree wind shift created a series of problems.

First, the tightly packed anchorage now had everyone with their backs to the beach, a classic lee shore scenario.

Next, the reorientation meant some boats were over others’ anchors, or much closer to each one another than was prudent.

There is no escape and no room for anchoring system failure in this sort of situation.

Even if you are well set, your safety is to a degree, dependent on those to windward of you staying put.

This is where mother nature probes for weak point in the anchoring system. To refresh, this includes:

• Anchor size where a storm anchor for everyday use is right now paying big dividends.
• Chain to anchor shackle of sufficient strength to match the breaking strength of the chain (not stainless steel).
• Safety wiring the shackle pin so it cannot work loose.
• Bow roller assembly strong enough to take the breaking strength of the chain with substantial factor of safety.
• Chain stopper.
• Powered windlass with sufficient grunt to crank in the chain in difficult conditions.
• Proper lead of chain from bow roller to chain wheel.
• A chain wheel that fits the chain correctly.
• Proper drop of chain into the chain locker with sufficient storage so the chain self stows.

While the cruisers in our anchorage worried the local fishermen are out surfing to their traps.

This looks good now, but we are guessing they hope the breeze backs off before they have to return.

 

So what are the correct tactics when caught in this situation (or expecting it)?

• If anchored in an exposed location keep an eye on the weather.
• When the risk factors increase, move further offshore, out of the high density anchoring area.
• Have the boat ready to move. Dinghy onboard, hatches secured, awnings stowed.
• If in doubt, get the hook up and find another anchorage, heave to, or go sailing.
• Watch out for wishful thinking and herd mentality. There is a natural urge to take it easy, staying put.

With good gear, you can ride this out. We certainly could. But as soon as it started to blow we got the attention of the British yacht sitting over our anchor, got him to move sideways, and then picked up our hook and moved well offshore.

Once these photos were in the camera we moved a mile across the channel, to the lee provided by the mountains of Lanzarote.

It is a nice day for a ride (or sail).

Post script: the yachts which stayed at Francesa did so without incident. Nobody went aground. The breeze is dropping as we write this and is forecast to go back around to the northwest. We’ll move back in the morning.

You could conclude from this that our comments are a bit alarmist in nature. We would argue that there was no room for error. One problem, be it a dragging yacht to weather of you, anchor jerked free on your own boat, or a major increase in wind, and this story would have ended in a different fashion.

To our way of thinking it is not worth the risk, or the worry while at anchor.

Better to sit at anchor in a secure (for now) location having lunch with friends (the crews of Gisborne and Moonshadow above). Time to close. We are due on Moonshadow shortly for drinks.