Blackbeard Sailing Club

THE ART OF STORM ANCHORING

Get to boat in plenty of time to get your boat out of the slip and anchored. Many members have stated to me that they just could not get down in time and now it was blowing to hard for them to leave their slip.

Know what anchors, chain and line you are going to use. There is no such thing as anchors, chain and line that are to big! As a minimum you should use at least your hull length in the amount of chain that you use and if you are anchoring in Broad creek (average depth of seven feet) the minimum about of anchor rode should be twenty to one or one hundred and forty feet. I have to anchor my boat most of the time by my self so I find that the best way is to place each anchor at right angles to each other. The best way to do this is to drop the anchor (slowly) until it hits the bottom (let the boat drift back or put the engine in reverse) to lay out the chain and rode on the bottom of the creek till the desired amount is in the water. Cleat off the rode and set it as hard as you can with all the power your engine can give you. Once the first anchor is set drive your boat away from the first anchor (keep your rode on the first anchor tight) until you come to the correct angle from your first anchor than drop your next anchor and do it the same way you did it with the first anchor. Make sure to keep the first anchor rode away from your prop!

Every boat has different characteristics as far as windage is concerned. The more the windage the larger ground tackle that is needed. Take down all sails, canvas, auxiliary outboard and any thing else that might cause windage problems. Don't forget to lock your boat when you leave.

Make sure that when you anchor that you have more than enough room for your boat to swing in all directions. I was amazed that after hurricane Fran and Bertha how many people had anchored right on top of other boats.

Some boats use anywhere from one anchor to four anchors. I firmly believe that two anchors is the minimum that should be used. There are at least four good anchors on the bottom of Broad Creek due to that fact that the lines chafed through on one anchor. If they had just one out they would) have been in the woods. The boats with more than one anchor out stayed put!

Get enough double walled fire hose to go from your cleat through your chock and into the water. This does a number of things for you. You will eliminate the chafe through the chock and if the anchor rodes twist the fire hose that went from the chock to the water will keep your rode from chafing through. Make sure to put a light piece of line through both walls of the fire hose and tie it to a cleat. This will keep the fire hose from slipping down your anchor rode. Please try not to use tape for chafe instead of fire hose. I have seen a whole roll of tape used as chafe guard and still have the anchor rode chafed half way through! Anchor rodes stretch and many times the tape will be pulled away from the chocks, use fire hose!!!

Do not tie your anchor rode to just one cleat. Take the anchor rode around your primary cleat than snake it back to your mast (only if it is keel stepped) and tie it off there. If it is not keel stepped than take it to your primary winches and pull it tight than tie it off to another cleat. If this sounds like over-kill it is - but - a hurricane is over kill!

Leave some sort of light on your mast at all times. They do not draw much power and may keep your boat from being hit by another boater who is trying to anchor his boat after dark. I almost hit a boat that had no light on. If you have to anchor after dark take a Q-beam or good flash light with you to spot the other boats around you.

If in doubt ask for help. There are many very experienced people at our club that are more than willing to lend a hand - just ask.

We look forward to seeing you on the river.

Ted and Kate Clark

S/V Feather

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MEMORIAL DAY RAFT UP IN NEW BERN

There will be a club raftup on Saturday, May 25th just outside the channel near Persimmons Restaurant. The plan is for everyone to bring snacks and drinks. Archer Watkins plans to be in place by 3.00 pm as the first anchor boat. Larger boats should be prepared to anchor in tandem. Some of the members are planning to eat at Persimmons,but everyone needs to make their own dinner plans.

Dave Whitney - 05/21/2013

JOINT BSC/FHYC PICNIC ON JUNE 1

Plan on spending time at your club on Saturday, June 1st We are having a joint event to get to know our fellow boaters at FH.
Opti's will be available, starting at 12 noon, for kids to do a familarization class. At 1.30 pm, there will be a Poker Run for the adults. You provide whatever boat you want to go out in the creek to the anchored boats with the poker cards. Following this will be a Hot Dog lunch for $5.00. BSC members are requested to bring a snack and FH attendees will bring desserts. Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, we are planning a deck party starting at 6.00. Scott and Donna Wade will be providing the music, and there may be some Karaoke involved. Bring your adult beverages and plan on having a good time.

Dave Whitney - 05/14/2013

Improve Your Ground Tackle Before the Next Storm Arrives

This very timely and informative message from Pete Thorn can help us all
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After a competitive search, I found a great price on steel anchor cable that will improve the performance of fluke anchors, like the Fortress or Danforth, in the muddy bottom of Upper Broad Creek. The cable is used as an anchor leader, between your fluke anchor and your existing rode. It allows the fluke anchor to quickly set deeper than an anchor with a chain rode. The chain can pack with mud and create a thick chain/mud braid that prevents the anchor from setting well.

The cables are 3/8” galvanized steel, 7x19 wire rope, 3/8” thimble with an eye at each end, swaged and 10’ long. Breaking strength is about 14,400 pounds with a working load about 2,880. IMHO, the galvanized cable is better than stainless for a few reasons: 1) it is stronger; 2) if it corrodes you can plainly see it. It will not fail due to invisible crevice corrosion like stainless can, and; 3) it is less expensive. Between storms, clean the cable in fresh water, let it dry and spray it with WD40 to keep water out of the cable.

These cables can be purchased at www.webriggingsupply.com The price quote was a bit less than $28, plus shipping. Happy anchoring!

Nick Karasek - 09/21/2011

Boat US Hurricane Preparation Guide

Hurricane Irene has taught us a lesson: We can never be too prepated for a major storm! Thirteen boats in the trees. Dock boxes and dinghy racks thrown around like matchsticks. We could have been better prepared!

Boat US publlishes Preparing Baots and Marinas for Hurricanes which can be found under "Tips | Hurricane Prep".

Every member should review this document!

Bill Green - 09/05/2011

Security at BSC

The gate should never be left open after dark! If you are not sure whether you’re the last person on site, then please assume you are and close the gate!

If you don’t know how to do this, please ask a Board member who will be happy to assist. The security of the Club’s assets (and every member’s assets) is the responsibility of each and every one of us.

Bill Green - 08/03/2010

Important Notice: Alcohol Must Be Under Your Direct Control

The Club's permit issued by the NC Alcoholic Beverage Commission is at risk if members do not comply with the ABC Commission rules. Every member who brings beer, wine or liquor on the premises must have the items under their control at all times.

If you bring alcoholic beverages to the club house, please bring them in a small cooler or bag with your name on it. DO NOT place alcoholic beverages in the refrigerators. We have been given one warning in the past. Do not be the member that causes our permit to be revoked.

Bill Green - 08/02/2010