ABSTRACT
When the anchor strikes the sea-bed the stock, being longer and heavier than the arms, assumes the horizontal position as soon as the anchor is stressed, thus causing the lower arm and fluke to become embedded. The stock gives the anchor great stability, i.e. it prevents it from rotating under heavy load or a stress applied other than in line with the shank. The anchor will turn in a horizontal plane quite easily as a ship swings with the tidal stream or wind. There are no moving parts to become choked with sea-bed material, so that should the anchor be accidentally broken out of its holding position it remains efficient for reanchoring.
