Hand Signals

We've all seen the 4 o'clock show occurring at any given anchorage. It goes like this: You are snugly anchored, relaxing after a exhilarating day of sailing, and enjoying a cold one on your aft deck. Then it happens: a bareboat charter vessel starts the anchoring dance (psycho-drama?). Wife at the wheel, husband at the bow. And they are screaming at each other from the top of their lungs. Of course, this never happened to YOU (nah:-), but just in case it sounds familiar, we have put together some simple hand signals that will allow you to communicate easily and silently with your mate, and incidentally not to be the anchorage embarrassment!

Note: This will not directly improve your anchoring technique itself. For that, go to our Anchoring Technique page.

The bow person usually gives the signals below - you can make your own, if you do not like ours!

1. Dropping Anchor

• Steer to starboard: Right arm completely extended to the right, hand flat.
• Steer to port: Left arm completely extended to the left, hand flat.
• Steer straight: Any arm completely extended forward, hand flat, palm forward.
• Slow down: Any arm slightly extended along the body, hand palm downward moving in a downward motion.
• Stop: Any arm extended upward vertically, hand flat, palm forward. No arm or hand motion.
• Anchor going down: Thumb down not moving.
• Back up/reverse: Fist with thumb motioning backward
• Anchor set: Thumb up and forefinger making a circle (this can be used for anything that means OK.)

2. Weighing Anchor

• See steering signals above.
• Anchor chain going up: Thumb up not moving.
• Anchor set on the bow roller, boat free: Thumb up and forefinger making a circle.

That's it. Of course, those are only suggestions, and you can make or add your own signals. The point is, set and USE hand signals. They save a lot of aggravation and add to your safety.

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