THE SAILING FOUNDATION ANCHOR TESTS
PUGET SOUND, 1995
By Doug Fryer

On June 17 and 18, 1995 the Safety at Sea Committee of the Sailing Foundation conducted anchor tests on five selected sites on Puget Sound.  The tests were co-sponsored by West Marine Products and attended by their representative, Chuck Hawley.  Also in attendance were Portland naval architect Robert Smith who has written and tested anchor behavior extensively¹, and Andy Peabody of Creative Marine who markets the MAX anchor. Diving services and underwater video were donated by Dwayne Montgomery of Emerald City Diving.

INDEX
Objective
Synopsis
Anchors and Equipment Selected and Procedures Employed
     Anchors and Gear
     Vessels
     Methodology
Results
Table 1 - Results Straight Pull - Site #1
Table 2 - Results on 90-degree Veer Pull - Site #1
Table 3 - Results on 180-degree Veer Pull - Site #1
Table 4 - Straight Pull Tests - Site #2
Table 5 - Straight Pull Tests - Site #3
Table 6 - Straight Pull Tests - Site #4
Table 7 - Straight Pull Tests - Site #5
Summary Observations Puget Sound Tests, Sites 1, 3 and 5, 
Average Holding Power
Comparison With Other Anchor Tests:
     Florida Sand & San Francisco Mud Tests
     Columbia River Sand Tests
Calculated Rode Tension in Wind and Waves
Conclusions:
     Selection of Anchorage
     Selection of Anchors
     Importance of High Percentage Setting
     Impact of Veering
     Holding Power
     42 Knots
     63 Knots
     Damage
Appendix 1 - Dive Debrief and Video Review
Appendix 2 - Other Anchor Tests Reviewed and Summarized
Appendix 3 - Photo's

NEXT