"The onset of new technology dispels old rumors from decades passed”

By Michael David

July 2002 Para-Anchors—Myths vs. Facts.

Many of the myths surrounding modern para-anchors derive from the mishaps of old-time sea anchor designs. Canvas, PVC, and lightweight
(2- to 4-ounce) surplus anchors, for example, have a reputation of inflating on deck, rotating until tangling occurs or breaking apart. However, when properly designed and rigged, today’s parachute anchors have a very low fail rate, no matter the sea or wind condition.

Myth: Parachute Anchors Inflate on Deck.

Fact: Two popular American manufacturers, Fiorentino and Shewmon, construct their canopies using heavy-duty, 8 oz material. For easy storage, these anchors roll up like sleeping bags. When rolled they’re easy to drop overboard. Plus, there’s no risk of on-deck inflation. Another manufacturer, Para-Tech, founded by Victor Shane, confines their lightweight 4-ounce para-anchor inside a deployment bag to avoid such inflation.

Myth: Parachute Anchors are Difficult to Retrieve.

Fact: Parachute anchors are easy to retrieve, but you need a partial trip line. Partial trip lines are designed to spin the chute and dump the water out.

Myth: Trip Lines Tangle Easily.

Fact: If a partial trip line is tied off to a float-not to the boat- it shouldn’t tangle. Also, today’s sailors often confuse the partial trip line with the full trip line. That’s a mistake because the full trip line is secured to the boat. Full trip lines can expedite the retrieval of the para-anchor, but the top of the chute can be pulled into its shroud lines if the anchor rode stretch isn’t accounted for. This can happen as a storm volume increases. Fiorentino, Shewmon and Para-Tech, each support the use of a partial trip line in their para-anchor applications.

Myth: Para-Anchors Rotate Underwater.

Fact: Fiorentino and Shewmon sew weights into one section of the canopy of their parachutes to stop rotation. Plus, Fiorentino takes an extra step by using its patented Para-Ring attachment. It stabilizes the para-anchor in breaking seas and strong ocean currents. Para-Tech addresses underwater rotation by sewing their seams inside out on every other canopy panel.

Myth: Parachute Anchors won’t hold up in Heavy Seas.

Fact: Modern para-anchors are designed to handle tremendous abuse, even under extreme weather situations. Fiorentino and Shewmon anchors have no reported structural failure with their para-anchors. Para-Tech claims that published accounts of their chutes breaking apart in rough seas are due to sailor error and not the chute design.

Helpful Hint:

Before you purchase a drag device, ask yourself:
1) What materials are used in the construction of the device?
2) Are there additional costs and of what nature?
3) Has the manufacturer recalled any of its products and why?

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