Essential Anchoring Skills

with

John Neal

Team Mahina

Master anchoring skills with confidence—anywhere in the world.

90-Minute Live Session

On Demand Replay Available

Live Q&A

Anchoring is more art than science, and mastering it ensures safe, peaceful stays at anchor—no matter the waters. This class gives you the know‑how to tackle conditions from tranquil coves to swelly open bays

FREE

Essential Anchoring Skills

Online class overview

This online class delivers expert guidance on anchoring strategies used globally—from single stern anchors to multi-anchor bridle systems—so you can consistently set and maintain reliable anchorages in diverse environments.

Who is this online class for?

This series is for cruising sailors, racers, and liveaboard adventurers who want to elevate their anchoring game—whether you’re plotting an epic offshore journey or seeking a calm coastal retreat.

What will I learn?

Participants will become adept at choosing the correct anchor gear, understanding wind–swell–tide dynamics, and deploying anchoring techniques like stern lines, bridles, kellets, and star moorings to optimize comfort and security.

List of topics:

Anchor selection & gear prep (chain, rode, shackles, windlass)
Determining scope & anchoring depth
Single‑bow anchor setting & retrieval best practices
Bridle & stern‑line setups for swell and wind shifts
Advanced techniques: kellets, chain loops, star mooring
Safety and chafe management
Adapting techniques to diverse sea conditions and bottom types

ANCHOR with Confidence

Rest easy, no matter the conditions

Anchoring isn’t just a routine task, it’s an essential cruising skill that keeps you safe, comfortable, and in control wherever you drop the hook. From serene coves to challenging open bays, mastering anchoring is about understanding the subtle art behind gear, technique, and local conditions. This course gives you the practical knowledge to choose the right equipment, read your surroundings, and secure your boat with confidence.

Knowledge, Technique & Peace of Mind

Led by experienced sailors, this class demystifies anchoring strategies used worldwide. You’ll learn how to select the best gear for your boat, calculate scope, and deploy reliable setups, from single-bow anchors to advanced multi-anchor systems. Gain confidence in managing wind shifts, swell, and tidal dynamics with techniques like bridles, stern lines, kellets, and star moorings to keep your boat safe and your nights restful.

Real-World Skills for Every Cruiser

Whether you’re planning an offshore passage, coastal hop, or life at anchor, Essential Anchoring Skills provides the expertise you need to make anchoring second nature. Designed for cruising sailors, racers, and liveaboards alike, this class equips you with proven methods and real-world tips to handle any anchorage with skill and security.

Your Host

John Neal

John Neal’s 400,000 offshore miles include six Cape Horn roundings plus expeditions to Antarctica, Africa, Australia, and Spitsbergen. Since 1976, John’s passion has been sharing his ocean cruising knowledge through 204 sail training expeditions aboard Mahina Tiare III, a Hallberg-Rassy 46 and various other yachts. John is author, co-author or contributing author of 17 books including Log of the Mahina. When John’s not at sea leading sail-training expeditions he teaches Mahina Offshore Cruising Workshops and offers boat purchase consultation services. Details on mahina.com

Get the class Bundle

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Online Class Registration

@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)

Regular Price

ASA Member Price

On-Demand Access

All registrations include unlimited on-demand access to the recordings of the live online class. So if you are unable to attend live you can still register and watch at your leisure.

ASA MEMBER DISCOUNT

American Sailing Members can claim their discount in the Member Portal. If you’re not a current member then for only $59/year you can join or renew today!

Online Course
Course*
- Essential Anchoring Skills
Tuesday August 26th, 2025 @ 4:30pm PT
ASA Certification
ASA Online Achievement Seal
- ASA Online Achievement Seal
  *recommended
  $19.00
By completing this entire course you can earn an ASA Online Achievement Seal - an official ASA seal that can be entered into your ASA Logbook!
Official ASA Logbook
- ASA Logbook
  $29.99
The ASA Logbook is a living document that chronicles your certifications and can also be used to keep a record of any and all sea-hours accrued along the way. If you chose to earn an ASA Online Achievement Seal and don't have an ASA Logbook then you *must* chose this option and purchase one.
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