Weigh Anchor

To break an anchor free of the seabed and raise it until the vessel is no longer anchored by it.

The vessel is normally manoeuvred or hauled towards the anchor while the rode is recovered, avoiding excessive side load on the windlass. When the rode is vertical the anchor is short stay; once broken out and clear of the bottom it is aweigh.

Crew must monitor traffic, depth, wind and current because the vessel can begin drifting or making way as holding is lost. Rode leads, chain, windlass, snubber, anchor swing and securing at the bow require control, and the windlass should not be treated as the sole sea-fastening.