Abstract: A tandem array of sea anchors is provided. Each sea anchor is generally umbrella shaped and has a relatively small opening at the apex. A single tow rope from a boat is secured to a plurality of strands from the periphery of each sea anchor and extends through these small apex openings of each sea anchor save the last. A single control cable also extends through the apex opening of each sea anchor save the last and is secured to each sea anchor adjacent the apex opening for simultaneously partially inverting said sea anchors to vary the drag of said tandem array of sea anchors. The number of anchors can be varied in accordance with the size, etc. of a boat.

Abstract: A sea anchor is disclosed which comprises a generally cylindrical body of cloth or the like material open at the forward end. The opposite end is provided with a hem through which a rope or the like is passed to draw the opposite end more or less closed. Tow members are secured to the periphery of the sea anchor at the open end of the body, and a single control line is connected adjacent the opposite end of the body. Pulling on the control line independently of the tow members partially inverts or turns inside out the body of the sea anchor, thus reducing the maximum depth thereof, and greatly reducing the drag, thus to limit the anchoring effect, and to facilitate return of the sea anchor to a boat or the like.