Anchors and Arches

In preparation for our Summer adventure off the island of Santa Cruz I needed more anchoring experience. I have read all I can comfortably absorb, spoken to all the sailors I can find and mentally rehearsed all the anchoring scenarios I can imagine. So, off to Corona Del Mar to put the book knowledge to the test.

Corona Del Mar is just south of Newport Harbor port entry. It's a protected beach area due to the harbor breakers. I've seen other boats anchor there and thought this would be a reasonable place to practice, err develop, anchoring skills. I researched the anchorage using paper and GPS charts. It has a sand seabed, no underwater obstructions, depths range from 20-40 depending on location and tide. Perfect.

The plan was to set a bow and stern anchor regardless of whether or not a stern anchor was necessary. We needed the experience so why not? After a nice sail down and a Newport Harbor cruise Lisa and I motored into the Corona Del Mar anchorage. Surveying the anchored boats and looking for a suitable anchorage we were pleased to see others anchored bow and stern. Perfect for our needs. We found a nice protected spot and went to work.

Lisa manned the windlass and I the helm. Bella was in 24' waters and after Lisa lowered 3:1 scope of anchor rode (all chain) I slowly backed Bella up to set the anchor. The danford-style anchor set quickly and strong. We both looked at each other and thought that was easy! So, now for the stern anchor. I lowered the dinghy and retrieved our never used stern anchor, also a danforth-style anchor. After tying off the bitter end of the anchor rode to a stern cleat I loaded the anchor and rode into the dinghy and off I went to the anchor drop location. It was there where I spent about an hour unraveling 200 feet of rope!

Finally prepared to drop anchor the Fortress FX-23 was thrown over. I motored backwards letting out rode as needed. Once back on board, I cleated the anchor rode. With Lisa on windlass duty set the stern anchor by motoring forward as Lisa took in excess scope from the bow anchor. The Fortress set quickly and strong. I then relaxed the scope on both the bow and stern lines to reduce stress on the cleats.

I set an anchor way point on my Garmin Colorado 400c. This would allow me to track any movement or dragging from our original position. I also set an anchor dragging alarm that would allow me to sleep through the night. Some have blankies others have dragging alarms!

We then went about preparing the boat for our two day stay. We brought a tandem kayak to go ashore but unfortunately learned you can't take any "vessel" to shore...not even a kayak! What is this world coming to? Disappointed for sure, but still up for kayaking around the area...which is so incredibly beautiful. After kayaking and a swim to shore we fired up the barbecue for dinner and a sunset.

The next day brought more kayaking, swimming, and relaxing. While kayaking we saw many arches. Early afternoon came and it was time to weigh anchor, also a new experience, and head north to Long Beach. We quickly and successfully got underway and headed home. The anchoring exercise was a good success but the fun we had was even better! As it should be.

Oh yes, the arches. There's something wonderful, spiritual really, about finding naturally formed arches. We expected to gain some anchoring experience but didn't expect to see such beautiful seascapes. "And it came to pass that Moses looked, and beheld the world upon which he was created; and Moses beheld the world and the ends thereof, and all the children of men which are, and which were created; of the same he greatly marveled and wondered." Moses 1:8