Anchor Aweigh

The moment when an anchor has been lifted off the seabed and is no longer holding the vessel in place.

The term “anchor aweigh” is a traditional nautical expression used to describe the precise moment when an anchor has been hoisted off the seabed and is no longer securing the vessel. This is a critical point in the process of getting a ship underway, as it signifies that the vessel is no longer anchored and can begin to move freely. The phrase is often confused with “anchors away,” but the correct term is “aweigh,” derived from an old nautical term meaning to lift or heave. 

When a ship is preparing to depart, the crew will haul in the anchor using a windlass or capstan. As the anchor is lifted, it passes through several stages: first, it is “broken out” from the seabed, meaning it is dislodged from the ground; then, it is “aweigh,” indicating it is fully off the bottom and the ship is no longer held in place. Once the anchor is aweigh, the ship is considered free to navigate, though the anchor may still be hanging just below the waterline until it is fully stowed. 

In naval tradition, the phrase “anchor aweigh” is often associated with the beginning of a voyage or a significant departure, marking the transition from being stationary to being underway. It is a term steeped in maritime history and is still used in modern seafaring contexts.