When is the best time to release an anchor?

Releasing an anchor while going slow astern is the most effective method for several reasons. When a vessel is moving slowly in reverse, it allows the anchor to deploy more smoothly and reduces the risk of it snagging on any underwater obstacles. A slow speed also helps to ensure that the anchor can sink and set properly without excessive force that could result in it bouncing off the bottom or becoming entangled.

Additionally, this approach provides better control of the vessel’s position as the anchor is deployed. The reverse motion allows the vessel to move away from the anchor as it drops, which helps to avoid clanging or damage to the anchor and the hull. This method also helps to ensure that the anchor line has a proper angle for effective anchoring, allowing for a secure set in the seabed.

In contrast, deploying an anchor at full speed could result in chaotic conditions that hinder the anchor from setting effectively. It risks losing control of the vessel, which can lead to unsafe situations. Releasing an anchor when the tide is coming in or when the wind is calm does not provide the advantages of controlled deployment that slow astern offers and may not take into account the residual motion of the vessel.