Catenary

Catenary

Some photographic proof that catenary can go to zero thereby eliminating any shock absorbing capabilities.

Here Seaburban’s 3/4in anchor rode of 8-plait nylon is stretched pencil-thin and cable tight. The gust in this picture was just under 50 knots. We did this all day yesterday and last night in winds well in excess of 65 knots (Measured at nearby Stanley Airport) and a steep 4-5 chop that sold water pouring down up our side-decks. Doing it and liking it I can assure you are two vastly different things.

I made a serious mistake rigging the ground tackle that may yet cost me dearly. I could, and should have, used a smaller length of brain and shackled a 50′ shot of chain to the bitter end. I would have very close to the same scope capabilities without the rode chafing in the anchor roller.

I was ready to shackle the chain to the rode in the picture, but it would have meant getting the fully loaded rode of the mooring cleats so the chain could lead to the anchor roller. It would have been an extremely dangerous undertaking with zero room for error. The only thing keeping Seaburban from running aground in front of the local cemetery were a few turns of rope a around those cleats.

I worked out a plan and practiced a few times just in case. When conditions moderate, make the change. Until the, it’s on deck every 40 minute or less to freshen the nip of the rode.

Follow my tracks in real-time:
https://bit.ly/svseaburban