I opened the box and pulled my new Spade anchor (ground tackle), the words started singing in my head. “This is ground control to Major Tom…” That’s all an anchor is, right? Ground control, real estate management, a nanny and a bedtime story with a warm glass of milk and a cookie all rolled into one. Unfortunately while all true, it’s not that simple. Looks wise I still prefer the ancient CQR, it just fits the lines of my crusty old boat. Just like the British Seagull my transom used to adorn, something’s simply work better than others. It was only a matter of time till I got tired of having an engine that rarely worked and when it did, it was literally on fire. Anchors are the same ball of wax, I want something that works, fits on my boat and keeps me not only safe but mentally secure.
Sailors love to argue about stupid shit. Big boat vs small boat. Monohull vs multi-hull. Speed vs sea kindliness. Full keel vs fin. Anchor wars are my favorite, I never have had a single reason to complain about my old Rocna but it’s been retired to my secondary anchor which I pray I will never, ever need to use. The new Spade is too large ground tackle for Sookie but mark my words, they will come out with a 10k anchor 🙂
I’m still undecided as to whether or not I will install the new windlass. Hauling chain keeps my back strong and my soul young. If I do add it the anchor will sit perfectly tight in my roller all snug as a bug in a rug floating in the middle of a hurricane. If I don’t add it I’ll need to add a stainless steel crash pad on the bottom of my sprit.
Read more about Spade Anchors!
