We went out into the Fraser River to try our remotely controlled windlass anchoring system. We started lowering the anchor slowly with a few stops. On the third start, the anchor started in free fall and the chain was ripping out of the locker at a fantastic speed. Then I saw something fly into the river. Finally, it stopped when the chain turned to rope and jammed. That was anchors "away" in a literal sense.
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Thursday, May 26, 2011
Anchors "Away"
We went out into the Fraser River to try our remotely controlled windlass anchoring system. We started lowering the anchor slowly with a few stops. On the third start, the anchor started in free fall and the chain was ripping out of the locker at a fantastic speed. Then I saw something fly into the river. Finally, it stopped when the chain turned to rope and jammed. That was anchors "away" in a literal sense.
Thank goodness the windlass had an independent foot-operated drum, Margy. Whew. You're right, the fickle Fraser (much as I love "my" river) is not the place to be when things break. I'm so glad you got your chain and anchor back, and were able to get repairs on short notice. Whew again!
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Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Hi Kay - It was a quite unnerving experience. I'm sure glad neither of us was alone. It never would have worked with the current running. - Margy
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