Do Not Test your Anchor Holding | "το μη χείρον βέλτιστον" Rule

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:41:55 +0000

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Many sailors stop the boat and aggressively test the anchor before backing into the berth. But is that always the right thing to do?

In this video, I explain why testing your anchor too early can be misleading when you don't have enough distance to deploy the proper amount of chain. If the anchor hasn't been set with adequate scope, a hard reverse test tells you very little—and may even force you to reset the entire maneuver.

Instead, I show why it's often better to continue the approach, complete the Mediterranean mooring, and evaluate the anchor under its actual working conditions once you're secured alongside the dock.

📌 In this video you'll learn:
✔️ Why an early anchor test can give false confidence (or false doubt)
✔️ The importance of adequate scope before testing anchor holding
✔️ When to test your anchor—and when not to
✔️ A more efficient approach to Mediterranean mooring in restricted spaces

Whether you're a new skipper or an experienced sailor, understanding when not to test your anchor can make your mooring smoother, faster, and more reliable.

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