Sailing Hints

How to use the windlass - anchoring hints

• The windlass is operating by the use of remote control
• our yachts are provided with 80m of chain 
• There is not a main switch for the windlass ( for our boats)
• For the windlass’ protection of overheating there is trip switch which drops off when the windlass is struggling, make sure that you know where that switch is.
• If the windlass is not working, take a look at the trip switch and make sure that it’s on.
• Never use the windlass with the engine off. The windlass consumes a lot of energy so the engine has to run when using it and actually when you are taking the anchor up the engine has to run at 1500rpm to provide the system with 12V voltage.Engage the throttle with the button depressed to give 1500 rpm in neutral.

ANCHORING HINTS

• Never drop the anchor at more than 15m depth .The windlass will struggle to lift the total weight of the anchor & the chain (each meter of chain weights about 3-4kg)
• Never pull the boat by taking the anchor up
• When taking the anchor up try to have the chain vertically  by driving the boat above the chain , that will take some pressure from the windlass
• Always the skipper and the anchor man has to be in contact , if something goes wrong they have to give direct warning .
• When taking the anchor up care needed below the windlass where the chain gathers. Feed the chain and try to keep the hole clear
• If something goes wrong and you have to work on the windlass make sure that the remote control is in nobody’s hand or even better shut the trip switch off.
• KEEP YOUR TOES AND FINGERS AWAY FROM THE WINDLASS
• When anchoring try to keep the same speed at the boat and the dropping chain .If the boat goes stern to faster than the chain does, you have to inform the skipper to slow down. If the chain goes faster than the boat release the button for a while until the chain gets tight and drop again

• hints