Anchor Aweigh

Describes an anchor that has been lifted clear of the seabed and is no longer holding the vessel.

During weighing, the cable is shortened until the anchor breaks free of the bottom; once clear, the anchor is aweigh. It may still be below the surface and must then be brought home and secured for sea.

The correct word is “aweigh”, not “away”. A vessel with its anchor aweigh is no longer anchored, but whether it is making way depends on its actual movement through the water.