We know the evolution of anchors: Fishermen, and Navy anchors, CQR, then the highly popular Bruce. Now the next generation with large surface area, self righting roll bars or weighted shoes: Rocna, Spade, Vulcan etc. Not to mention the Danforth and Fortress lightweight types.
There appears to be some science - at least experimental science involved in the evolution of anchors. Looks like the guy who invented the Rocna did a lot of work, and his anchor has gotten good reviews. But now there is some concern about the ability of the Rocna, and maybe other spade type anchors to reset after a 180 degree tide or wind reversal.
I find the following articles, and related videos of anchors being set, and reset interesting, and thought provoking.
For the record, I've used a Bruce anchor successfully for 33 years on my C&C 34, and now for a couple of years on my Tartan 3800, but last year I switched to a Vulcan with a weighted shoe, and no roll bar.
Let me know what you think about these write ups and videos. Maybe this is a topic for one of our cruising potlucks...
Dragging anchors…
https://www.morganscloud.com/2017/09/04/we-love-the-way-our-anchor-drags/
Anchors they recommend
https://www.morganscloud.com/2015/02/15/anchoring-made-easy-vol-1-gear-the-right-anchor/
Rocna reset debate:
Some discussion on the demonstrated test.
My conjecture: Perhaps the scoop anchors all have the characteristic of collecting mud to block the point, or to upset the weighted shoe, changing the ability to set during a reversal.
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?462696-Rocnas-reset-problem
The video and article of the reset fails:
https://www.morganscloud.com/2019/05/24/anchors-resetting-failures-with-rocna-and-some-thoughts-on-vulcan2/