For a long time I’ve had a theory about similarities between
ground tackle choice and religious bent. When my trusted 45lb CQR dragged in a
squall in Newport
earlier this summer, the resulting shock waves revealed the cracks in the
foundation of my ground tackle temple….
I was asked at a presentation I did aboard Charis once, why I had so many
anchors and why they seemed so large for the boat. I answered that I liked to
sleep soundly. I reasoned that the difficulty of retrieving heavy ground tackle
occupies but a tiny percentage of the time one spends secured to the bottom
with it. But I know there was more to it than that. Having different types and
sizes of anchor is recognition that there is no universal truth in the matter.
It’s an admission that perhaps each has its strengths and hence weaknesses. It
is a sort of nautical Universalism.
Part of this theory has evolved along the way as a reaction
to the frequent cruiser discussion topic known as the anchor. Time has taught
me that the more dogmatic someone is in their gear choice, chances are, the
less technically versed they are in it. My reaction, having always been sort of
an obstinate human, is doubt in direct proportion to dogma. The best of these
conversations are with other techno-types who leave behind the superiority
complex and delve straight into the actual features and functions of each
anchor type. There needs to be an element of admission of failure to validate
the claims to success. This is sort of sermonizing that one can learn from. And
really, learning is the key, because it really all boils down to this:
Worship not thy anchor. It is nearer human than deity in
that each one has its strengths and weakness. Every one will prove fickle if
you do not handle it sensibly. Some will serve well in one situation but
abandon you in others. Some will inspire your faith and be your rock of Gibraltar. Some will inspire less confidence. Just
remember, even rocks move sometimes.
So go forth….and stay put. Especially if you’re the boat
upwind of me. Not that I mind you visiting. I just prefer you arrive
in your dinghy.
