Following a PM request for further details, I have attempted to put together a diagram of my anchorline retrieve set up, which I hope will be clearer.
Quote:
Bear with me as I try to explain my setup.
Tie a 4mm braided line to the front crossbar.
Attach an "O" shaped shackle (the ones which close with a screw collar on one side) to the bow fitting (where the handle is attached).
Thread the line through the shackle. This is your base anchor/bow line.
Make a loop on the other end of this line for attachment to other components (see below)
Take another line (at least 3mm and a different colour about 2 metres long.
Attach another "O" shackle to the end of this line, tying off the other end to the crossbar too.
Open this shackle and attach it to the anchor line >outside< the line coming from the bow shackle. This will be your retrieve line.
When you deploy the anchor attached to the anchor line, your TI will hang obediently off the anchor from the bow.
When you want to retrieve the anchor, pull on the retrieve line, which will bring back a loop of the anchor line to the cockpit.
As you bring more anchor line into the cockpit, you will then lift the anchor over the aka, and then tidy things up.
How to keep it all tidy?
I loop the anchor line and then feed it under the bow hatch bungee >from the mast end< so when I grab it, it all comes free.
I do the same with the shorter retrieve line.
Other anchor qear.
I also keep two other anchor lines, each with a loop on one end and a galvanized "D" shackle on the other, so they can all be joined together, one of 25 metres and the other of 50 metres (I leave the latter at home unless on offshore trips)
At the bottom end, I have a blue Cooper plastic anchor, with 3 metres of 12mm braided cord (Just had it lying around). (Never attach chain directly to a Cooper anchor, as its extra weight can cause the anchor to lie on its side and not dig into the seabed).
I then add 1.5 metres of chain if conditions require it, followed by either the basic 10, and the 25 and/or the 50 metre line, giving my a maximum total of 89.5 metres. If I ever need more than that, I shouldn't be anchoring there!!!
This system enables the Island to ride correctly off its anchor, rather than being slewed around if the line is not attached at the bow, but by pulling the retrieve line, the anchor can be raised from the seated position