When a small craft's anchor fouls in a rocky bottom, how should the first attempt to clear it be made?
• Anchor fouled on rocky bottom – how anchors typically catch between rocks • Effect of direction of pull (angle) on how an anchor backs out of an obstruction • Safe loads on ground tackle – avoiding sudden heavy strain on anchor, line, and fittings
• What gentle maneuver would most likely let the anchor work itself free the same way it went in, without shock loads? • How does changing the angle or direction of pull help free a fluke or chain that is wedged under a rock? • Which options might put a dangerous vertical or forward strain on the gear instead of easing it out?
• Identify which choice changes angle and/or direction of pull without extreme force or sudden shock • Avoid any option that creates a strong vertical haul straight up when fouled in rocks • Avoid options that risk over‑stressing the anchor line, windlass, or bitts by aggressive power or excessive scope moves first
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