Question 4088 Deck General

You are correct, the answer is A) increase the holding power of your anchor. Paying out more anchor cable increases the scope (the ratio of the length of the anchor line to the water depth). This increased scope allows the anchor to dig deeper into the seabed, which in turn increases the holding power of the anchor. This is a well-established principle in anchor holding and is a key factor in ensuring a vessel remains securely at anchor. The other options are incorrect - B) would decrease the swing of the vessel, C) would increase the possibility of dragging anchor, and D) would actually decrease the holding power, which is the opposite of what paying out more cable accomplishes.