UPS has just delivered our new anchor and, how can I put this delicately, our (big boned, plus size, heavy set?) 73 lb Rocna anchor now has a bran new little sister who is lighter, yet still can hold much more that her own weight. I haven’t unwrapped it yet but the new anchor is an A140 Spade that’s rated for boats up to 65’ long, 44,000 lbs displacement and amazingly only weighs 33lbs itself (all aluminum construction).
These two new hooks, in conjunction with the two Fortress anchors that we already have, completes our anchor requirements. Now we’ve got to set them all up with the appropriate chain & nylon rodes.It’s interesting how sailing folk tend to anthromorphosize the important things on our boats. I think it's because we hope that the important parts of the boat, and even the boat itself (things that our lives depend on) will consciously work to keep us safe. Now I know that’s not a rational thought but won't tell that to Bertha, our number one anchor, or to Brendan, our steady & true auto pilot (named after St Brendan the navigator), or to the grand lady herself, Gypsy. Oh no, I want everyone rooting for us when the doo doo hits the fan.
How Bertha got her name - Right after we got the big Rocna and were admiring it (we actually danced around it) Susan suggested we call it Betty. Now I think Betty is a nice name but to me it didn't sound “heavy” enough to serve as the moniker for our primary anchor, something that I hope will be able to hold us and 22,000 lbs of vessel safely through any storms that come our way. I told Susan that we need a stouter sounding name, something like Fraulein Klaw. I can’t remember who suggested Bertha but that seems to have stuck. I don’t know what or even if the new anchor will get a name but if it does, perhaps Betty might fit the bill.
283 days...
