Learn to Sail Video - How to Anchor Under Sail

Do you have the confidence to approach an anchorage under mainsail, lower your anchor, and back down--using just your mainsail for reverse propulsion?

Watch this video to learn this super sailing skill that will set you apart from the rest!

How to Anchor Under Sail.

1. Approach the anchorage under mainsail alone. This allows you to sail on any point of sail for maneuvering.

2. Sail onto a close reach for best control. To speed up, pull in on the mainsheet; to slow down ease the mainsheet. When 1-2 boat lengths away from the anchorage spot, ease the sheet all the way to luff the main and allow the boat to drift.

3. Lower the anchor hand-over-hand. The boat will drift back. Use both hands to grasp the mainsail boom and push it out against the wind. This "backwinding" digs the anchor in. Swing the boom over to the opposite side and repeat. Check the shoreline to make sure the anchor is not dragging. Then, lower the mainsail.