Anchoring etiquette

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How close is too close?  

It depends.  If you're in a crowded anchorage, you might find yourself a boat length away from other boats.  If you're in a huge bay with miles of room, give the other guy at least 100 meters, preferably more.  Maybe he wants some privacy!

If there's lots of room our rule is, you're too close if you can tell if your neighbor has clothes on!

Rule 1:  Give the first guy the room he's entitled to

The first boat in an anchorage has rights over other cruising boats.  Period.

If the other guy is in the Best Spot, too bad; he was there first and has a right to be there.  Find another place to drop your hook.  If you can't get in as shallow as you like, too bad.  

Besides, he might not be in the Best Spot; this might be his first time in the anchorage!  Use your own judgment to pick your (appropriate) anchorage.

Rule 2:  Don't anchor upwind of a previously anchored vessel

This should be obvious.  Don't risk dragging down on another vessel if you can avoid it.

Rule 3:  If you're the last boat in and you're too close, it's your OBLIGATION to move

We occasionally find that we've misjudged and anchored too close to people.  We always move, and we don't wait for the other guy to request it, either.  Just do it.

If you're the last boat to anchor and find you've anchored too close, you have an obligation to move, regardless of how inconvenient it is.  Why should you expect the other guy to move, just because you goofed?

Rule 4:  Don't hog the whole anchorage

If you're in a confined, shallow anchorage, don't put out 20:1 scope and then take up the entire anchorage when you swing.  This is a judgment call, but I've seen boats do exactly this, and then attempt to chase away other vessels that anchor within 100 meters of them.  Being the first boat in an anchorage doesn't entitle you to monopolize it.

Rule 5:  Power windlasses expand your anchoring options

If you have a power windlass, what's the big deal about moving, or anchoring in deeper water?  You won't overexert your thumb or toe pushing that button.  Why did you get that windlass, anyway?  

December, 2005.  Abemama, Kiribati.  Yep, they still use these traditionally-rigged sailing canoes.  The main hull is always kept on the leeward.  So, tacking involves unstepping the mast, restepping it at the other end, ditto the steering oar, and away they go again!  The whole operation only takes a few seconds.  

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