Anchoring is done for two principal reasons: first, to stop for fishing, swimming, lunch or an overnight stay, and secondly, to keep a boat from running aground in bad weather or as a result of engine failure.
Anchoring:
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When preparing to anchor, bring the bow of the vessel into the wind or current.
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Place the engine in neutral.
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When the boat comes to a stop, slowly lower the anchor.
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Do not throw the anchor over as it will tend to foul the anchor or tangle line.
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When the anchor line has been let out, back up away from the anchor with the engine in idle reverse to help set the anchor.
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After it is firmly set, use reference points (landmarks) in relation to the boat to be sure that the boat is not drifting.
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Check the points frequently.