Earlier last year, Captain Damien shared why he was drawn to AnchorGuardian and why he believed anchoring deserved more transparency and control. After a full season of real-world use aboard M/Y Felis, we sat down with him again—this time to discuss lived experience rather than expectations.
Damien, after a full season using AnchorGuardian, what stands out most?
What stands out most is actually what didn’t happen: we never dragged once last season.
That’s not because conditions were always easy—it’s because AnchorGuardian consistently showed me, in advance, when the anchor was approaching a point where movement could begin. Sometimes that meant paying out a bit more chain, sometimes repositioning, sometimes just monitoring more closely as conditions changed. That early insight meant I could take proactive precautions every time.
Dragging doesn’t appear suddenly—it builds gradually. Having visibility before it becomes a problem makes all the difference.
How did that awareness affect your day-to-day decision-making?
It changed how I manage time, and that’s huge.
As captain, I need confidence in my anchoring to plan the day properly. Whether it’s tender runs, water sports, beach setups, or having toys off the back, the underlying question is always: am I holding well, or pushing my luck?
AnchorGuardian answers that question clearly. When I know what the anchor is doing, I can organize crew and guests in my own time, not under pressure. That creates a calm environment aboard—and everyone responds better to that.
You've mentioned that anchoring discussions with owners can sometimes be… lively. Did AnchorGuardian change that dynamic?
Very much so—and this was one of the biggest surprises.
Like many captains, I’ve had friendly debates with my owner about anchoring, especially around chain length and proximity to shore. The owner naturally wants to be closer in, use the least amount of chain possible, and enjoy the view. As captain, my instinct is to put out the right amount of chain for the conditions, even if that means anchoring further off.
Before AnchorGuardian, that discussion was experience versus preference. With AnchorGuardian, there’s no debate anymore.
The system shows clearly how much chain is appropriate for our exact location and conditions. It’s no longer my opinion versus the owner’s preference—it’s objective information we both see and trust. That has completely changed the conversation. In fact, it’s removed it altogether.
Did that transparency impact trust aboard?
Absolutely. When everyone sees the same information, decisions become much easier to accept. There’s clarity, not compromise.
The owner knows we’re anchoring as close as is safe—not further than necessary, but not taking unnecessary risks. And I know I’m backed by real data, not just experience or instinct. That shared understanding builds trust, and trust is everything on a yacht.
You've spoken about how rushed situations affect crew performance. Did you see a difference this season?
Very much so. When scenarios are rushed, crew become fatigued and stressed—and that’s when accidents happen. When decisions are made early and calmly, the entire operation runs more smoothly.
Because AnchorGuardian gives you early information, you’re no longer reacting late—you’re managing proactively. That reduces stress, improves safety, and makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone, crew and guests alike. It’s not just about anchoring safely; it’s about running a better boat.
Were there specific moments where the system proved its value?
Yes—but not in the way people might expect. It wasn’t one dramatic save. It was a series of quiet, controlled decisions.
We had situations where wind direction changed slowly, swell built over time, or traffic increased overnight. AnchorGuardian showed subtle changes in anchor behavior early enough that I could respond on my terms—adjusting chain, repositioning, or simply monitoring more closely.
Those are the moments where experience matters—but experience supported by data is far more powerful.
After a season of use, how do you describe the difference between traditional anchor alarms and AnchorGuardian?
An anchor alarm tells you after something has already happened. AnchorGuardian tells you what is about to happen—and why.
That’s the fundamental difference. It turns anchoring from a reactive process into a proactive one. You’re no longer relying on assumptions or gut feeling alone. You have objective insight into what’s happening below the waterline. Once you’ve had that level of visibility, it’s very hard to go back.
Has using AnchorGuardian changed how you think about anchoring as a discipline?
Completely. For years, anchoring has relied heavily on experience, intuition, and a bit of faith. Experience will always matter—but there’s no reason it shouldn’t be supported by clear data.
AnchorGuardian doesn’t replace seamanship. It sharpens it. It gives you confidence not just that you’re holding, but why you’re holding—and when that might change.
Finally, if another captain asked whether AnchorGuardian is worth it after a full season, what would you say?
I’d say this: last season, I didn’t drag once—not because conditions were perfect, but because I had the information I needed early enough to act.
And just as importantly, it removed uncertainty—with the crew, with the owner, and with myself. If you value calm nights, clear decisions, and staying ahead of situations rather than reacting late, then AnchorGuardian delivers exactly that.
That peace of mind is invaluable.