Sistemas y guías
Anchor windlass basics on cruising yachts
Electric and manual windlasses — chain sizing, gypsy match, foot switches, and safe anchoring workflow.
Overview
An anchor windlass retrieves chain and anchor under power or manual crank. On Nordic cruisers vertical capstan or horizontal gypsy layouts are common — gypsy must match exact chain link size.
Components
| Part | Check |
|---|---|
| Gypsy | Correct chain calibration — wrong gypsy slips under load |
| Foot switches | Deck switches need guard and clear comms with helm |
| Chain stopper | Takes load before windlass — never ride on windlass alone |
| Motor | High amp draw — engine running recommended on heavy retrieval |
Safe workflow
- Stopper on before leaving anchor at anchor
- Hand signal protocol between bow and cockpit
- Rinse and inspect gypsy each season
Read anchor and ground tackle and Baltic weather for holding ground.