Get Real, Get Gone: How to Become a Modern Sea Gypsy and Sail Away Forever

by Rick Page

The important thing is to have a plough-type anchor that buries itself quickly and efficiently and pretty much the worst performer in this category, both in my opinion and that of YACHTING magazine’s test department, is the CQR8. The CQR is a kind of plough anchor with a head that pivots. I mention this because these are what you find on many older boats and I don’t trust them further than I can spit a winch handle. There are fabulous anchors on the market now, the Delta (a very economical and effective anchor from Lewmar), the Rocna, the Spade, the Bruce (great once it is in, but difficult to set if there are any weeds). If you inherit a CQR with your boat, sell it at the next boat jumble and put the money towards some decent anchors. This is NOT an area in which you can be budget conscious. I know, I know…. good anchors are expensive and I feel your pain my gypsy brothers and sisters, but do not try and economize here and do not buy Chinese knock-off. Remember, a good Delta anchor costs less than a month in a marina and will last forever. When the wind pipes up and your oversized Delta is clutching you to the seabed like a nervous clam with abandonment issues, you will be very happy you bought decent ground tackle and took the time to learn to use it properly. When your expensive neighbours are dragging out to sea and you are feeling righteously smug, don’t forget to say to yourself, "I must buy those Calypso guys a beer when we cross watery paths". (Oh, go on then, just...