🔍 Key Concepts

• Holding ground – how well an anchor digs in and stays set • Differences between sand, mud, rock, and clay as anchoring bottoms • Effect of very soft vs. firm seabed on anchor holding power

💭 Think About

• Think about which type of bottom allows the anchor flukes to dig in and then resist dragging once set. • Consider which bottom type is most likely to cause the anchor to foul (get caught) or skip along instead of burying. • Ask yourself: On which of these bottoms would a change in wind or current be least likely to cause the anchor to break free?

✅ Before You Answer

• Eliminate any bottom where the anchor is likely to slide or not penetrate well (e.g., too hard or covered in growth). • Be cautious of bottoms that are too soft, where the anchor may sink deeply but not develop strong holding. • Look for a bottom type known in seamanship texts as providing good, reliable holding ground for common anchors.