Nautical Term: Anchor bar

Definition of Anchor bar

An anchor bar is a crucial component of an anchor system. This wooden bar, sometimes referred to as a heel bar, is fitted with an iron shod at one end. The opposite end is wedge-shaped, designed for prying or working the anchor or anchor chain. In addition, anchor bars are employed to engage or disengage the wild-cat, a type of windlass used in anchoring ships. Here’s a brief example of how an anchor bar might be used in a single paragraph:

During a particularly stormy night at sea, the crew of the sailing vessel, ‘Seawings’, was forced to drop anchor and ride out the storm. With the waves crashing against the hull, the anchor chain began to chafe against the ship’s side. In response, the anchor crew, led by the experienced chief bosun, quickly set to work. Using a long, heavy anchor bar, they pried the anchor free from the muddy sea bottom. Once the anchor was disengaged from the sea floor, the anchor crew were able to begin the laborious process of reeling in the anchor chain. With the storm showing no signs of abating, the crew of the ‘Seawings

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