[Alan Bates]

All this talk about at anchor shapes reminds me of a conference with the Officer in Charge - Marine Inspection that Captain Bob Lumpp and I attended. We were discussing drawings of the River Queen. The commander asked, "What about the out-of-control shapes?"
Captain Lumpp responded, "I've been on the river for more than twenty five years and I've never seen or heard of them. What are they?"
The commander told us they were two black balls that, when displayed, show the vessel is out of control.
Captain Lumpp asked, "Where am I supposed to keep them?"
The commander's answer floored us. "Oh, in the wharfboat or anywhere."

Alone after the meeting we doubled up in laughter!