Sea Anchor
Date1930s
Object number00047628
NameSea anchor
MediumCanvas, rope, metal, wood
DimensionsOverall: 400 x 465 mm, 950 g
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Don and Peter Unwin
DescriptionA canvas and rope sea anchor, originally from the trawler DRIFTERHistoryA sea anchor, also called a 'drogue', was usually a canvas-covered conical frame, designed to float behind a vessel to prevent drifting, or to maintain a heading into the wind.
The use of a submerged cloth bag to slow the drifting speed of a boat and to keep its bow into the wind has been around for centuries. The first such sea anchors were generally cone-shaped and made from heavy canvas such as this example, used by the DRIFTER a 28' fishing trawler from the 1930s.
After the Second World War, a parachute style of sea anchor found favour. This style of anchor, often called a 'drift sock', is still in use today.
SignificanceSea anchors were historically in widespread use particularly by fishing trawlers. Examples of surviving canvas bag anchors in good condition are rare.
before 1964
1960s
1890s - 1950s
1950s
