Anchors: Sizes, Types and Uses

Type	Number	Weight
Best bower anchor	1	4 tons/4.54 tonnes
Small bower anchor	1	4 tons/4.51 tonnes
Sheet anchors	2	4 tons/4.31 tonnes
Stream anchor	1	1 ton/ 1.10 tonnes
Large kedge anchor	1	1/2 ton/ 0.51 tonnes
Small kedge anchor	1	1/4 ton/ 0.30 tonnes

Best bower anchor: The best bower anchor was one of Victory's two main anchors. It was called 'bower' because it was secured to the starboard (right) bow. The heaviest and strongest anchor carried by the Victory it was used for anchoring the ship in deep waters. Small bower anchor: The small bower anchor was also used for anchoring the Victory in deep waters, although it was not as strong as the best bower. It was also attached at the bow (front) of the ship, but on the port (left) side.

Sheet anchors: Victory's sheet anchors were positioned behind the bower anchors on each side of the ship. They were carried as spare anchors in case the bower anchors were lost. Stream anchor: The stream anchor was a small lightweight anchor used for anchoring in shallow waters. Normally tied to the starboard sheet anchor, the stream anchor could also be used to warp the ship. Large & Small kedge anchors: Victory's smallest anchors, the kedge anchors were used when the ship was anchored in a harbour. They helped to steady the ship and keep her clear of the bower anchor cable. They could also be used to 'kedge' or warp the ship. Warping was a way of moving the ship in a confined space or if there was no wind. The kedge anchor would be rowed away from the ship by boat and then lowered. By pulling in the anchor cable the ship could be moved along. This could be repeated until there was more space or the sails caught the wind.