If the anchor refuses to break free, how should the line be positioned around the forward bitt while the Coxswain moves ahead to break it free?

If the anchor refuses to break free, how should the line be positioned around the forward bitt while the Coxswain moves ahead to break it free?

• A. Looped around the forward bitt
• B. Tied to the bow cleat
• C. Looped around the stern line
• D. Passed over the anchor rode

Answer: (A)

The main idea is using a secure, controllable belay at the bow that lets the boat’s forward motion help pull on the anchor without letting the line slip loose. Looping the line around the forward bitt provides that single-point control at the bow. As the Coxswain moves ahead, the loop around the bitt takes the load in a forward pull on the anchor rode, helping break the anchor free while keeping the line neatly managed at the bow and ready for a quick change or release if needed. Tying the line to the bow cleat would fix the line in place and limit how you can use the boat’s movement to generate force, making it harder to apply a deliberate forward pull. Looping around the stern line would pull from the wrong end of the boat, not effectively directing the force to free the anchor. Passing the line over the anchor rode risks snagging or fouling the rode and disrupts controlled tension.

The main idea is using a secure, controllable belay at the bow that lets the boat’s forward motion help pull on the anchor without letting the line slip loose. Looping the line around the forward bitt provides that single-point control at the bow. As the Coxswain moves ahead, the loop around the bitt takes the load in a forward pull on the anchor rode, helping break the anchor free while keeping the line neatly managed at the bow and ready for a quick change or release if needed.

Tying the line to the bow cleat would fix the line in place and limit how you can use the boat’s movement to generate force, making it harder to apply a deliberate forward pull. Looping around the stern line would pull from the wrong end of the boat, not effectively directing the force to free the anchor. Passing the line over the anchor rode risks snagging or fouling the rode and disrupts controlled tension.