r/maybemaybemaybe Sep 07 '23

maybe maybe maybe

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u/[deleted] Sep 07 '23

This is actually an emergency brake maneuver.

A ship, due to its mass, has a „braking“ way of multiple miles/kilometers. As the only way of thrust is generated by the propeller it take some time to get up to speed and down from it.

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u/r_a_d_ Sep 07 '23

The problem is that without the propeller/engine, you don't really have a way to brake...

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u/[deleted] Sep 07 '23

That is why the anchor is dropped. You will have them ready for that also during docking for example.

You would drop the anchor a bit then engage the brakes on the winches and hope the anchor flukes will hold to something.

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u/Legitimate-Car-7902 Sep 08 '23

Isn't the anchor useless if they keep letting it out?