Anchoring a boat can be tricky, especially in certain circumstances and when short-handed.  Here some tips:

1. If the boat “sails” on the anchor, try setting a small riding sail such as the mizzen or storm jib or secure the rode slight to the side rather than directly at the bow.
2. Setting two anchors allows lower scope and decreases swinging.
3. Check the bitter end of the rode at least once a year and replace any fraying.
4. Make sure the deck is clear after anchoring.
5. Single-handed anchoring is achievable by running the rode from the cockpit and then moving the rode.
6. To retrieve your rode from under another, run another line under the other rode and row out towards the anchor position to lift the other rode.
7. To keep track of anchor position, run a second or “trip” line from the shank attached to a buoy.  The amount of line from the shank to the buoy should be the depth of the water at high tide.

For more information on Anchoring and Docking see our Rhapado Quick Reference on the subject, available in our Ebay Store along with laminated guides on over 100 other topics.