Worldwide Anchoring Techniques

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

As you prepare to sail beyond local harbors, anchoring becomes a cruising essential. In this class, led by seasoned sailor John Neal, we'll delve into the varied anchoring techniques from location to location. We'll cover as well crucial aspects of anchoring from selecting the right equipment to determining the optimal anchoring technique based on the conditions you are facing – wind direction, sea floor, crowds, and more. With the practical insights and guidance from this online class, you'll learn the essential skills and knowledge needed to safely and confidently anchor in various parts of the world.

FREE

Worldwide Anchoring Techniques

Online class overview

Worldwide Anchoring Techniques gives sailors the practical skills and confidence to anchor safely in a variety of cruising destinations and conditions. Led by seasoned offshore sailor John Neal, this online class covers anchoring equipment, anchorage selection, six anchoring techniques, and what to do if your anchor begins to drag. Learn how to adapt your approach to wind, seabed, and surrounding conditions for safer, more confident cruising worldwide.

Who is this online class for?

Ideal for novice and experienced sailors alike seeking to bolster their anchoring skills for cruising adventures. Whether you’re a weekend cruiser or planning an extensive voyage, mastering these techniques will empower you to sail confidently in any region of the world.

What will I learn?

Anchoring is one of the most vital aspects of cruising. Confidence in your ground tackle and how you set the hook not only provides a better night’s sleep but can also prevent unwanted consequences. In this online class we will equip you with a knowledge and understanding of anchoring equipment selection, anchorage location assessment, and proper anchoring methods so that you can significantly boost your ability and confidence to sail safely in all regions of the world.

List of topics:

Anchoring equipment
Selecting an anchorage
How to anchor
After anchoring
Six anchoring techniques
What to do if you’re dragging
Anchor retrieval
What matters: Keep it simple

ANCHOR with Confidence

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPOT AND GEAR

Successful anchoring starts before the anchor ever hits the bottom. Learn how to evaluate an anchorage, select the right ground tackle, and consider factors such as wind, depth, seabed conditions, surrounding boats, and available swinging room. John Neal shares practical techniques for making smarter anchoring decisions wherever your cruising takes you.

MASTER TECHNIQUES FOR DIFFERENT CONDITIONS

There is no single anchoring method that works everywhere. Explore six anchoring techniques and learn how to adapt your approach to changing environments, from crowded anchorages to unfamiliar seabeds and shifting weather. You’ll gain a better understanding of how to set the hook securely and confirm that your anchor is holding.

KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN THINGS CHANGE

A secure anchorage still requires attention after the anchor is set. Learn how to recognize the signs of dragging, respond quickly when conditions change, and retrieve your anchor safely and efficiently. You’ll leave with a simple, practical framework for anchoring with greater confidence throughout your cruising adventures.

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

Tuesday September 15th, 2026

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

Regular Price

ASA Member Price

FREE

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*
- Worldwide Anchoring Techniques
ASA Certification
ASA Online Achievement Seal
- ASA Online Achievement Seal
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  $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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