We’re in the habit of walking marina docks with a pocket digital camera handy to record interesting details. The double anchor set up shown above reminded us of the olden days on our 50-foot (15m) Intermezzo. She had what we thought was the perfect system: a large CQR for everyday use, as well as a Danforth ready to go as a second hook and for use in soft mud where the CQR would not hold.

One day we saw the light. Why have two anchors, with their attendant weight sitting on the bow, when only one was earning its way 99% of the time? Would it not make more sense to put ALL that weight into a single massive anchor, which was working 100% of the time? The answer is, of course, yes. A single, really big anchor gives you better holding in poor conditions, and in good conditions allows anchoring on shorter scope. This logic applies to all types of anchors.

Big is always better.

OK, enough soap box for one blog. So here is another double set up, but this time with just one CQR stowed. Note the interesting locking mechanism, which is the reason for the photo.

This is the Manson (a New Zealand company) take on the ROCNA and Spade approach to anchors (you will recall we have a big ROCNA on Wind Horse).

We prefer the design approach of the ROCNA, but all three anchors have tested as the best available in recent West Marine tests. More importantly, the ROCNA/Manson/spade types work well in a variety of conditions in the real world.

You could say that the extra holding power of these new designs allows a lighter anchor. Our preference is to take this holding power as an extra margin of safety.

Lots more information on our approach to anchoring will be found elsewhere on SetSail.com and in our Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia and Practical Seamanship.