Bulletproof Ground Tackle: Sarca Excel Anchor & Mantus Gear Upgrade

In this video, we complete a massive expedition-grade ground tackle upgrade on our Formosa 51 for our upcoming world circumnavigation. We walk through a complete custom bowsprit redesign to accommodate high-load, heavy-weather anchoring and break down exactly what gear you need—and what mistakes to avoid—when building a bulletproof anchoring system. Hardware Featured in this Setup: Anchor: Sarca Excel No. 8 (Heavy displacement sizing) Swivel: Mantus Anchor Swivel Snubber: Mantus Snubber Pendant integrated with a 3/4" nylon bridle setup We aren’t just looking at how to drop an anchor; we are analyzing the mechanical engineering of proper bluewater ground tackle. We discuss why we chose the Sarca Excel over other modern anchors, how to properly size your nylon snubber to absorb shock loads in heavy weather, and why high-quality components like the Mantus swivel are critical failure points you cannot afford to skimp on. If you are refitting a cruising sailboat, retrofitting a bowsprit, or upgrading your ground tackle for serious offshore work, this video breaks down the technical do's and don'ts of heavy displacement anchoring systems. 👇 Subscribe to follow our Formosa 51 refit and journey toward a circumnavigation