🔍 Key Concepts

• Ground tackle components and how they move under load • Where cyclic loading, twisting, and bending stresses are concentrated when an anchor is being worked • Differences between fixed parts of the anchor and connecting/rotating hardware (like shackles or swivels)

💭 Think About

• When the anchor is being hauled and veered repeatedly, which part of this system is most subject to repeated twisting and bending rather than just straight tension? • Which component is relatively small, has moving parts or joints, and is constantly working as the anchor rotates on the bottom? • Think about which piece connects the chain to the anchor and is designed to rotate—how might that affect fatigue and potential fracture points?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which option is the main rotating/connecting link between anchor and chain in normal practice • Consider which component experiences the highest number of stress cycles during anchoring operations, not just the highest single load • Eliminate options that are mostly under straight tensile load and have large cross‑sectional area compared to their working stresses