I asked about what anchors people could recommend that would fit into the factory built anchor well/locker on a Cavalier 28 about three years ago now. Due to a prolonged illness, and the consequent inevitable list of repairs from rotting on the water, I only just started to sail the boat this year after buying her three years ago!

I ended up buying a SARCA Excel No 4 anchor. I bought the Alloy version, which can be dissembled just in case it didn't fit in the anchor well. The manufacturer assured me that although the alloy version weighs much less, it has the same holding power as the plough head is the same weight. I purchased it directly from the manufacturer.

I've attached it to 10m of 8mm chain and 100m of 12mm nylon rode (which I've marked at 10m intervals).

I haven't tested it out yet.

A bit late now, but I would have gone for a little more chain.
Not sure if there is a hard and fast rule but 30 metres would be my preference.

gary

A Sarca Excel no. 3 (steel) has held my boat for several days straight in 30+ knots with much higher gusts. The rode is 10m chain and 1/2" nylon. My Compass 28 would present similar loads to your Cav, so you should be very secure.

One other thing to consider if you're really keen on anchoring in big blows is a small riding sail. Due to problems with our new moorings at Sandringham (in Melbourne) a couple of us have fitted these, and the reduction in yawing and the consequent jerking is amazing. Would have been nice to have one in that 30 knot blow instead of being laid over repeatedly.

Cheers, Graeme

Graeme,
Which riding sail did you go with? Traditional or 3 plane ones?

It's a simple flat triangle that my mate sewed up, but the dimensions aren't correct so the foot ends up a bit loose. I need to measure up and determine the correct lengths and then revise it. It depends on the relationship between the angle of the backstay and location of the jib track block that the "sheet" runs down to. Might be worth further discussion, in which case I suggest any responders start a new "Riding sail" thread.
Sorry OP, you can have your thread back now!

Cheers, Graeme

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wongaga said..
A Sarca Excel no. 3 (steel) has held my boat for several days straight in 30+ knots with much higher gusts. The rode is 10m chain and 1/2" nylon. My Compass 28 would present similar loads

Same boat as Graeme, but I got a SARCA 5 off a guy on Ebay. The No.5 is 22 kg and is a pain to move around deck. When I buy chain I sometimes buy a whole drum of 8mm chain which is 37 metres long. I cut this in half. My rode is thus the 22kg SARCA, then 18m of 8mm chain and then 12mm nylon 3-strand rope for up to 50metres. I've got a hundred metres onboard, down below decks.
If anchored for weeks, I'll do this set-up but with a sand anchor in the other direction (i.e. 180 degrees if a tidal area) or in a V shape.

You can always shackle more chain onto the start of your set-up.

Donald Jordan wrote an article about mooring/anchoring from the stern, as it'll ride the yawing better. Compared to riding sail - I have no experience. The article: www.jordanseriesdrogue.com/D_14.htm