What is a swing circle?

The swing circle is fundamentally defined by the radius of a vessel's anchor line, which extends out from the point of anchorage, plus the length of the vessel itself. When a vessel is anchored, it can rotate around the anchor point due to wind, current, or changes in the tide. This means that the outermost point of the vessel will trace a circular path around the anchor. The radius of this circle is determined by the length of the anchor line and the overall length of the vessel, which together dictate how far the vessel can swing. Understanding the swing circle is crucial for ensuring the safety of the vessel and avoiding collisions with other nearby vessels or obstructions while at anchor.

Other definitions or measurements might focus on specific nautical safety operations, but they do not specifically capture the essential concept of the swing circle as it pertains to the effective movement and area around an anchored vessel.