Before leaving the dock
Determine how much anchor line, or rode, you will need. It is recommended that you use a scope of 7:1, meaning that for every metre of water depth, you should use 7 metres of rode. For example, to anchor in 10 metres of water, you would throw out 70 metres of line. Measure the scope as the ratio of the length of the anchor rode to the height of the bow above the bottom. In heavy weather ie 35knots a scope of 10:1 is recommended.

It's Time to Set the Anchor
Never anchor a small boat by the stern! Your engine, and the bulk of the boat's weight rest here. Stern anchoring is likely to result in swamping and flooding.
· Check your chart for bottom characteristics and to determine that you are anchoring in a safe and allowable place.
· If there are rocks, shoals, reefs or other boats to consider, give them all as wide a berth as possible, keeping in mind a possible swing of 360 degrees about the anchor with wind shifts or current changes.
· Secure the bitter end of the anchor line to a bow cleat.
· Make sure the line is ready to run free once tossed overboard.
· Head into the wind or current.
· Reduce speed and reverse the engine.
· As boat starts to make a slight sternway through the water, lower, don't throw the anchor.
· Tug the anchor line to see how firmly it's set, readjust the rode at the bow cleat if needed.
· Even if anchoring only in designated anchoring areas, it is always prudent to have the appropriate signal such as an all-around white light on to notify other boats that you are anchored at night. During the day you must display a ball shape which is sized according to the size of your boat.