Thank you gentlemen for your replies. I probably used the wrong word in “ consensus “.An anchor that could be best used over the widest range of ground conditions might have been more appropriate.
Anyway you have all been very helpful in narrowing down the myriad choices. Although I crew on a great many yacht deliveries I am quite ignorant of their anchor types. I know anchoring procedures but thankfully, as I don’t have to purchase them, I had no idea of the huge range, and the dark arts involved.
Graham, your choices sound extremely sensible and thanks for the you tube references etc. You are correct, the videos drive me cross eyed after a while and it’s great to have someone who has already watched them and come to a personal conclusion! I had never heard of the Spade anchor but it does seem to have a very high utility/ weight appeal. Although expensive,and no Irish dealer,it would seem that it would be money well spent.Could get a relative or friend to bring one over here from the UK. The Fortress fx7 is readily available here and is actually cheaper than in the UK. Again, looks to be a great option as a kedge.
Claus, you have saved me from buying an inappropriate anchor! I didn’t realise that the Britany was useless on weed and was perhaps unduly influenced by the price and easy availability. I note your use of anchors but must also recognise that your skill level and experience is vastly superior to mine. For me, I am perhaps over cautious and if necessary to anchor quickly on a lee shore, I really need to know the anchor will hold. We haven’t as many shallow anchorages as you, here on the South coast. However, am making plans to get a lot of sailing in your waters next year. God’s waters!
Simon, Again, great sensible advice. I agree , an art as well as a science. I will go with the Fx as a kedge and am leaning towards the Spade as a main, both with appropriate chain and rope. As you say, the Fx by itself will mostly be adequate and would be a great weight saver. A big appeal to me.I didn’t know about the availability of the leaded line either, would certainly make for easier lowering and pulling of an anchor over the sides for a frequently used kedge. I love your wife’s further comment on weight saving. Quite correct but drinking less beer not an option for me!!
? Isn’t it dreadful the way ladies can cut to the root of the problem and we refuse to accept it! Of course, it wouldn’t sit lightly with our ethos of camping/ cruising…
Ged, Very interesting re 3 to 1 rope, chain, rope. Had never heard of that. Looks like it can lead to valuable weight saving. Sorry, but am unlikely to read the book as my head is already spinning from an overload of information from the web!I should of course read it especially as I much prefer the written word on paper over the screen.
Again, thank you all for the replies. This forum is a very valuable source of information for me and I prefer to listen to the experienced thoughts of association members than to the wider advice of manufacturers’ literature. Much appreciated.
Am very much leaning towards the Spade as a main and the Fx as a kedge unless the waters are muddied by further recommendations. Plenty of time until the Spring but I would like to be ready for then and not to have to make hurried decisions. Will let you know what I end up with!
Many thanks,
Stephen