Anchor Advice:

Consider a number of factors when picking your anchor, including your boat's size and the type of cruising you are planning. Here’s a breakdown of anchor types for different cruising needs:

1. For day sailors, ease of handling and quick deployment are key. Lighter anchors that are easy to manage, such as the Lewmar Delta, offer a good balance of performance and convenience. However, ensure the anchor is sufficiently sized to hold your boat securely, even when left unattended for short periods.

2. When overnighting on board, the need for reliable holding power increases. Anchors like the Lewmar Epsilon, which sets quickly and holds well, offer good peace of mind. These anchors are designed to handle shifts in wind and tide, ensuring your boat remains secure overnight.

3. Coastal cruisers need anchors that can handle a wide variety of conditions and seabeds. The Rocna II and the Spade are excellent choices, known for their ability to set quickly and hold firmly in diverse seabeds, from mud to gravel.

4. For longer distances and more exposed conditions, robust and high-holding power anchors are necessary. The Knox anchor, with its innovative design, and the Manson Supreme, known for its super high holding power, are ideal for offshore cruising.

5. Liveaboard and long-distance cruisers need versatile and durable anchors. The Rocna II and the Vulcan offer exceptional performance, with features like roll bars for quick setting and strong holding power. Additionally, carrying an extra storm anchor and a spare anchor setup is great advice for extreme weather conditions.

6. Smaller boats benefit from newer generation anchors like the Bügel, which offer excellent performance without the need for excessive weight. These anchors are designed to dig in quickly, providing reliable holding even in challenging seabeds.