Anchor does its own spadework

The Spade anchor lands upright and digs in fast. A style of anchor popular overseas is now available in New Zealand.

The Spade anchor, designed by amateur French sailor Alain Poiraud, is being distributed by Auckland company Euroyacht. The patented design combines a triangular ballast chamber with a hollow triangular shank. This means that 50 per cent of the anchor's weight is in the tip, which is very sharp to enable it to dig in quickly and deeply.

It is reputed to land the right way up every time and it has a concave profile to prevent dragging. Sharp edges enable it to cut through weed.

Euroyacht says the Spade will pivot to hold, regardless of wind or current. Its smooth design means there is no tangling with the anchor rope. It is relatively light to manage.

The anchors are available in galvanised steel, aluminium with a yellow finish - making it easy to spot on the seabed - or stainless steel.