Anchor (dropping & lifting)

During the movement notation phase, players may decide to anchor their ships when logging movement. However, anchoring does not go into effect the round of noting it in the log, but rather the following round. The log should indicate the ship’s movement prior to anchoring … and then that next round, the ship MUST stop at anchor. No last minute decision to the contrary can be made.

To drop anchor effectively, the depth of the water cannot be more than 60 feet. The type of anchoring may be designated: ships may be anchored by the bow or by the stern. When dropping anchor, the usual order is written “DP,” for drop anchor. Anchored ships may not move or turn in place.

Anchoring provides a +1 bonus to hit for all ship’s weapons. This bonus is not provided if the ship is in the process of lifting the anchor.

If the move is notated, “LP,” or lift anchor, the crew will begin to lift the anchor of the ship that round. To completely lift the anchor will take 6 full rounds; however, after 2 complete rounds, half the crew may be assigned to man the ship and get it moving. During these four rounds, the crew is not permitted to turn the ship, back the sail or take part in grappling, unfouling, or boarding. Should the crew be forced to do so, the anchor will run out and the ship should again be considered anchored. The anchor can be dropped again in this fashion at any time.

A ship can cut its anchors, which must also be recorded ahead of time when logging movement. It requires two rounds to cut an anchor free from a ship, after which, the ship may move normally. Once a ship has cut its anchors, it cannot be anchored again.

See Naval Combat