Kedge Anchor
A small, lightweight anchor used to reposition or manoeuvre a vessel in confined waters or to assist in anchoring when the main anchor is insufficient.
A kedge anchor is a specialised type of anchor that is typically smaller and lighter than a ship’s primary anchor. It is often used in situations where a vessel needs to be repositioned without the use of its engines or sails, such as in a narrow channel, harbour, or when the wind and current are unfavourable. The process of kedging involves deploying the kedge anchor from a smaller boat or dinghy, rowing it out to a desired location, and then dropping it into the water. The vessel can then be hauled towards the anchor by pulling on the anchor line, allowing for precise adjustments in position.
Kedge anchors are also useful in situations where the main anchor may not provide sufficient holding power, such as in soft or uneven seabeds, or when additional security is required in rough weather. In these cases, the kedge anchor can be deployed as a secondary anchor to provide extra stability and prevent the vessel from drifting.
The design of a kedge anchor is typically more compact and easier to handle than larger anchors, making it ideal for use in confined spaces or for smaller vessels. However, it is not intended to replace the main anchor for long-term mooring or in heavy weather conditions, as its holding power is generally less than that of a larger, more robust anchor.
There are various anchors, each with different characteristics and specialities. Most vessels carry the main anchor (usually mounted on the bow roller) and a secondary or kedge anchor stored in a locker.
Main Anchor
The primary considerations when choosing an anchor are its weight-to-hold ratio and the type of seabed most likely to be experienced. Usually, the heavier the anchor, the better the hold. But this is a trade-off between carrying around the weight versus the benefit at anchor.
Larger vessels need a heavier anchor, and the worse the weather conditions, the better the hold required.
Most cruising vessels carry the main anchor permanently affixed to the bow roller and operate it using a windless. The windless lowers and raises the anchor relatively easily, enabling vessels to carry an anchor suitable for worst-case weather conditions.
Kedge Anchor
A kedge anchor is a second anchor carried. It is usually kept in a locker, often one in the cockpit. The kedge anchor can be used for many things, including setting the direction of hold by deploying to the side or at an angle to the main anchor, preventing the vessel from swinging.
