In a message dated 9/17/04 4:01:10 AM, Bob writes: << One formula for wind load is: wind speed squared times frontal area times .005. This is a development of the old Barient Winch sheet load formula for sizing sheet winches for sails; wind squared x sail area x .00431. >> This is a very conservative estimate and implies a coefficient of drag of 1.2 or greater. It has a safety factor built in. Most freely anchored trawlers will have the pointy end facing the wind so the actual coefficient of drag will be closer to .7 or .8 and the strain on the anchor rode will be less than your formula predicts. However if one wants to err, it is certainly better to err on the safe side. Larry Z