Greenland - Anchoring & Mooring

Anchoring

Quite often the bottom rocky and holding is poor so plenty of chain will be required. Better holding will be found on moraine and river mouths.

Shore Mooring

Mooring to the shore adds confidence to the security of the boat however, in anchorages featuring ice moving around on the tidal currents, the additional moorings may present the side aspect of the yacht to the current and it is far easier to manage this with swing on an anchor if good holding can be found.
Another issue to consider is the effect that surge waves can produce on the yacht and anchors. These can be produced by calving glaciers or breaking and capsizing ice bergs. If the anchor is down a rapid escape from a shore mooring would be difficult.
Mooring ashore requires some organisation. The area should be surveyed from the dinghy, with a hand-held echo-sounder initially, and then the anchors should be set up ashore before manoeuvring the yacht into position and running out the lines. The yacht can be stabilised using the anchor.
A range of anchors for mooring ashore should be carried including, metal spikes, pitons and rope or wire slings. Some mountaineering expertise is advantageous in placing these anchors

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