Distant Shores TVvideo

Storms, Mud and Sand - Fortress Anchor Tested Long-term

September 7, 2016 · 6 min · 287K views · Wadden Sea

What this video covers

Paul Shard and Sheryl Shard utilize Fortress anchors for stern and storm anchoring due to their lightweight, collapsible design and high holding power in sand and mud.0:21 The anchors feature adjustable fluke angles, allowing for a steeper setting in soft mud compared to the standard angle used for sand.1:06 During a 50-knot wind event in a mangrove during Tropical Storm Chantelle, the crew deployed a Fortress anchor with 10:1 scope, setting it initially with a dinghy before using the main engine to drive it deep into the substrate.1:40 In the Wadden Sea, the crew used a Fortress anchor to hold the stern of their lifting-keel boat in 30-knot winds while grounded at low tide.2:43 The anchors consistently bury deep, often requiring a winch to break them out of the bottom.4:44 While effective in sand and mud, the aluminum anchors perform poorly in grass and should not be used in rocky bottoms.5:02

Watch on YouTube

More from Distant Shores TV

We're going to NorwaySep 2026TransAtlantic - Cooking at Sea in Foul Weather | Ep 277Aug 2026Beware of ORCAS! Part 2: Sailing SOUTH through Orca Territory to Portugal | Ep 276Jul 2026Sailing South: Dover, Storms and the Bay of BiscayJun 2026

From Distant Shores TV — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue