anchor size

Hi Yann

I think the answer about anchor size depends on what type of anchoring you want to do, and how ofter. Catamarans have a lot of windage so need a relatively heavy anchor to help keep the boat in place. 35lbs would be good. UK has mostly mud or sand, with reasonable to good holding and so a CQR will usually hold quite well. In other areas of the world (the Canariy Islands and the Mediterranean for example) there are areas where the holding is not so good and anchoring becomes more difficult. The German Bugle anchor with its sharp point and roll bar will often work better than the CQR and also better than the Delta. A flat Danforth anchor wil be especially good in soft sloppy mud. I would use 35lbs on an HT and with as much chain as you can accommodate if the holding is poor. If in doubt put out more scope of chain and warp than you think you might need (unless other boats are too close to do so). The handbook carries an article about anchoring if you want to re read that for reference.

Good luck, and safe anchorages……

Chrissie

That all sounds quite good Yann. We usually anchor our OT 38 with about a 50lb anchor with 35m of chain and maybe 50m of warp. In evil conditions we put the whole lot out, if space will allow. We almost always put out all the chain, and have the warp over the bow roller (as it is quieter). We do like to stay in place when anchored, even if the wind comes up. If you experience very poor holding, you might like to add a different kind of anchor to your equipment list, so you have a choice. Some shapes definitely work better in one particular bottom than others. Experiment and see how you get on. Good luck.
Chrissie