Ankarplog v Schwojen
The more efficient the underwater hull and the greater the hull’s wind-exposed surface area, the more the yacht sways whilst at anchor or moored to a buoy. This applies in particular to modern yachts with a slender keel and high freeboard. Lundh Sails from Gothenburg offers a specially shaped anchor sail designed to significantly reduce this rocking motion. The so-called ‘Ankarplog’ is set on the backstay and hoisted using the main halyard or the jib halyard. It is also tensioned towards the stern cleats and the mast. The design differs from a simple, flat anchor sail. The front orange section and the two white wings form a Y-shaped plough.
According to the manufacturer, the anchor sail is designed to provide greater stabilisation and reduce the yaw to between ten and 20 degrees. In our experience, a conventional anchor sail reduces the swinging motion to around 30 degrees, which is already a significant improvement, but can still lead to the chain being pulled in too sharply in strong winds.
The Ankarplog is secured to the yacht with lines attached to the clew corners. The leech is cut with a slight concave shape to prevent the sail from buckling. Nevertheless, Lundh Sails points out that the sail must be fully tensioned. Depending on wind strength, the wings of the anchor sail can be set further inwards or outwards, thereby altering the sail’s wind resistance. In stronger winds, the wings should be brought closer to the centreline. In lighter winds, they can be set further out.
Sturdy Dacron and reinforced corners
The Ankarplog is made from Dacron. Depending on the size, Lundh Sails uses fabric weighing between seven and nine ounces per square metre. The clew corners are fitted with sturdy reinforcements and webbing.
Depending on the size of the yacht, the manufacturer recommends different sizes:
- 1.0 m² for boats up to 32 feet
- 1.5 m² for boats from 30 to 36 feet
- 2.0 m² for boats from 34 to 42 feet
- 2.5 m² for boats between 40 and 50 feet
- 3.0 m² for boats over 50 feet
Prices start at 3,700 Swedish kronor, which is equivalent to around 340 euros. The anchor sail can be purchased directly via the Lundh Sails online shop can be ordered.
For yachts with a split backstay, Lundh Sails states that it offers several mounting solutions. The company manufactures its sails in Sweden.
Further articles on this topic:
Book recommendations
Practical knowledge for skippers As well as covering sailing techniques and manoeuvres, it also deals with safe anchoring, the weather and seamanship. This reference work is intended for use on board and brings together many of the fundamentals that are important when anchoring and whilst on board.
Port manoeuvres: step by step explains mooring and casting-off manoeuvres using photomontages. A separate section is devoted to anchoring in bays and marinas. The book thus complements the technical concept of the anchor sail with practical guidance on preparing for the manoeuvre.
Do you have any experience of anchor sailing? Please share your experiences in the comments.
Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
