The Faith called ‘Anchors’

A quote in one of the Facebook groups dealing with anchors caught my eye and imagination:

“Something I’ve noticed a lot concerning anchoring discussions which is the way that belief in an anchor closely mirrors monotheistic religious beliefs.   It would then be only one God, Jehovah or Buddha’ for example.  I think the reason for this similarity is that both religion and anchors are solutions to existential uncertainty and both our religious beliefs and our faith in our chosen anchor can become endowed with mystical properties in protecting us.  I’ve noticed that those who know most about anchors, especially those who test them, tend to hold a wider view of the strengths and weaknesses of different anchors in different substrates they are evidence-based anchor atheists.”

Why Bigger Anchors Aren’t Always Better: Debunking the Myths Around Anchor Size and Yacht Compatibility

The common advice from some “armchair gurus” to ignore manufacturer anchor size recommendations and simply buy the biggest anchor your yacht can handle is questionable and lacks supporting data. These gurus often claim that “all experienced cruisers carry big anchors,” but closer inspection shows many long-term cruisers carry multiple anchors—not necessarily oversized ones.

Understanding Manufacturer Anchor Size Recommendations

Anchor makers often provide size recommendations based on thorough testing and certification. For example, classification societies certify anchors like the Delta as High Holding Power (HHP) and newer models as Super High Holding Power (SHHP). This certification means a smaller modern anchor like a Rocna can deliver twice the holding power of an older style anchor like a Bruce of the same weight. Therefore, these recommendations allow smaller anchors for the same yacht size without compromising safety.

The Flaws in “Bigger is Better” Logic

The guru advice to buy the largest possible anchor disregards certified test data, historic drag reports, and manufacturer guidelines. Modern anchors rarely drag, except under exceptional conditions. Buying bigger anchors primarily increases weight and cost, without corresponding real-world benefit.

It’s important to note that the holding force developed is limited by the tension produced by the yacht’s windage and conditions, not by the size of the anchor beyond the recommended range. For example, a 15kg Rocna and a 15kg Delta attached to identical yachts generate the same tension and hold the same. The ultimate hold of a 15kg Rocna in sand can reach 2,000kg—far beyond what most yachts ever experience (and what their deck hardware can safely handle).

Challenging Claims About Difficult Seabeds

Proponents argue bigger anchors perform better in difficult seabeds such as weed or hard substrates. However, there is no data defining or proving these claims. In fact:

• A bigger fluke doesn’t necessarily penetrate weed better—experienced sailors have long recommended small flukes, like in a Fisherman’s anchor, for penetrating root mass.

• Similarly, a harder substrate is penetrated better by sharper, thinner tools (i.e., thinner high-tensile flukes), not necessarily by bigger or heavier ones.

Focus on Design, Material, and Testing

Multiple studies show that anchor effectiveness hinges on design, surface area, and the steel used rather than sheer weight. Thin, high-tensile steel flukes can penetrate seabeds more easily than thick, mild steel plates. The seabed’s shear strength increases disproportionately with depth, favoring anchors that can reach deeper with less resistance.

Hands-on testing reinforces this: thinner steel plates penetrate better, which directly correlates with better holding.

Real-World Anchor Behavior

Compare a large and small Fortress anchor set side by side under the same load. The smaller anchor may become fully buried offers excellent initial hold but can be difficult to retrieve. The larger anchor often sits partially exposed, risking the chain slipping underneath and tripping during tidal or wind shifts. This mechanical disadvantage explains common complaints about Fortress anchors tripping.

Conclusion

While it’s natural to trust strong opinions, relying on unbiased anchor tests and manufacturer data is far more reliable than armchair advice. Modern, well-designed, and properly sized anchors—often lighter thanks to high-tensile steel—deliver excellent performance without unnecessary bulk or handling issues.

Trust the facts—your safety and peace of mind depend on it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPVx_U7xZ4w

Order your Viking anchor here