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sea anchor An object deployed by a vessel, usually a small one, to keep the vessel end-on to a heavy sea or surf or to reduce the drift. In its usual form it consists of a conical canvas bag, web, or parachute with the large end open and a trip line attached to the windward end to reverse the cone and release the anchor. Sea anchors are usually set from the bow. The efficacy of such devices is well documented, see Venturesome Voyages of Captain Voss (who made them famous) and Drag Device Data Base by Victor Shane (which has compiled case histories) in the Source Book under books. When attached from the stern, the device is called a drogue and is used to reduce speed as well as maintain alignment. Sea anchors or drogues are sometimes improvised by using a weighted sail and spar, a bucket, tire, or a long line (warp), although modern dedicated designs are much more effective and easier to use. Proper application of sea anchors requires care. See ART-15 on heaving to.

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