Which device joins the anchor chain to the anchor and prevents twisting and fouling?

• A. Bowline
• B. Cleat
• C. Bending Shackle
• D. Swivel

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to connect the anchor chain to the anchor in a way that lets the chain bend and pivot as the rode sets and moves, without causing twists or fouling. A bending shackle is designed for this exact purpose: it links the chain to the anchor while allowing the chain to bend smoothly as the anchor digs in and as the vessel moves with wind and current. This articulation helps prevent the chain from twisting around the anchor or snagging on itself, which makes the set more secure and the retrieval easier.

A bowline is a knot used with rope, not with chain. A cleat is a deck fitting for securing lines, not for joining chain to the anchor. A swivel can prevent twisting along a line, but between anchor and chain it’s not the standard, more robust choice and can be prone to seizing under heavy loads. The bending shackle provides a strong, simple connection that accommodates angle changes and keeps the chain and anchor from fouling.