While stoppers alone can hold an anchor, they should be backed up with what for additional support?

Using a wildcat brake in conjunction with stoppers for holding an anchor provides additional safety and security. The wildcat is a component of the anchor windlass that helps to control the movement of the anchor chain. When the stoppers alone are used to hold the anchor, there is a risk of them failing under certain circumstances, such as surges in the vessel's motion or weight shifts. By utilizing the wildcat brake, you add an extra layer of support that can take the load off the stoppers and help maintain a secure hold on the anchor.

The wildcat brake allows for controlled release and retrieval of the anchor chain, significantly enhancing overall anchoring safety. In practice, relying solely on stoppers without this backup can be risky, especially in adverse weather conditions or when the vessel shifts. Therefore, incorporating the wildcat brake ensures that there is a reliable mechanism in place that can handle the forces exerted on the anchor system.

While the chain locker, anchor windlass, and deck fittings play important roles in the anchoring system, they do not provide the same direct support against anchor drag or failure as the wildcat brake does. The chain locker is for storage, the anchor windlass facilitates the operation of deploying and retrieving the anchor, and