Anchor alarms can be a nuisance at times: If the geo-fence around the boat is set too loose, it won´t accurately track a dragging anchor, alarms can be too late. If set too tight, it may mistake the usual movement of the boat at anchor and cry wolf. Here´s a new gadget that is set to correct all this: The Morpheis smart anchor buoy doesn´t track your boat, but your anchor: Zero false alarms? Let´s check it!
This is another news I bring from Cannes Yachting Festival 2026. I discovered this almost brand new product by chance, roaming the Excess catamaran range on display. Mounted to the starboard side hull´s pulpit I saw this well-sized red buoy and became curious: What´s that, by any means?
As it turned out, it was “Morpheis”, a product invented by two Frenchmen and made in France as well. There was no advertising around, no explanation, no nothing. And so I took the pictures back home and started my own research, which promptly delivered. As it turned out, this is really a very interesting product that could solve a safety loophole for many skippers as it makes anchoring a lot more convenient and safer. You´ve already checked by now what Morpheis does, right?
The idea is pretty cool
Despite the fact that your anchorage might be calm, wind-free and without any swell, conditions can change quickly overnight. That said, my policy when anchoring is therefore always the same: I usually do not calculate anchor chain length according to the old rule of thumb (anchor depth times 4 equals the length of chain), but I throw out what I have – and whatever maximum my swinging circle allows. But even then, I usually don´t sleep very well. As a skipper, you probably know very well what I mean. Because, what happens, if the anchor breaks out …?
Anchor alarms however are pretty inaccurate. As the object the anchor is referring to is almost always the boat itself. So it tracks the movements of the boat. That´s usually no problem in calm nights. But as soon as wind picks up a little and/or waves start to roll in, your boat will start moving as well. Depending on the “geo fence” perimeter set around your boat in which movement is okay, false alarms can be triggered quite easily. Often times, reacting to this, the perimeters are set so loose that any true alarm might be too late as the boat is drifting already or … skippers simply turn them off. Which cannot be the solution, right?
The two inventors and makers of Morpheis combined the old idea of having an anchor buoy simply visually signaling the position of an anchor by hovering directly above it with a GPS-receiver and little processing unit. Voila, now it´s the GPS-position of the anchor that is being tracked and monitored, not that of the boat! That way, any alarm going off will to almost 100 percent accurately document the movement of the anchor. And this can only happen, when it has been broken out and is dragging along the seabed. That´s how Morpheis works. But there´s more to it.
Independent, free of maintenance or care
Doing some research on this device, I realize that the manufacturers have really thought that through. The system is free of maintenance, can be utilized in any conditions and is very, very easy to use. As you have seen on the picture I´ve shot during Cannes Yachting Festival, the buoy is mounted to the pulpit, ready to being dropped whenever needed. The buoy´s line stays connected to the anchor, that way, it´s in the water and ready to work at a minute´s notice.
All you ave to do is to let the buoy go before the anchor goes down. The line connecting the buoy to the anchor is adjusted fully automatically to the individual depth of anchorage up to a maximum of some 22 meters. And honestly: Which “normal” yacht is anchoring in such a depth? Anyway, the dyneema line is coiled up inside the buoy on a self-adjusting reel. It is spring-loaded and will hold the line under tension. That said, the buoy will not only adjust to the depth of the anchor, but always keep a very accurate position directly above it. Ingenious!
Speaking of independence: NO FRILLS SAILING is indeed an independent project. I take great pride in my work ethics, delivering a subjective – but non-negotiable journalism that is not for sale. In order to being able to do so, I have to admit very limited and carefully selected advertising on my page – the monthly “marketing partners” – and of course I am depending on you, clicking an reading my articles. Nothing more: No affiliate selling! That said, if you subscribe to my monthly free newsletter, that´s even more convenient for you as you will receive a simple newsletter, check the last 8-10 articles and choose whichever you like. That´s it, back to the article now …
From the sketch to a “Made in France” startup
The whole idea goes back to two French engineers who were fed up with the current situation. Winning an award and some sponsorship money from the French state, they founded their company Mooring Solution and went into manufacturing right away. The current model is made in France and can be ordered in their online shop. The price is reasonably high: With some 1.500 Euros (including EU VAT) the buoy indeed comes with a price tag. But here you are: Safety, peace of mind, “made in France” and smart ideas don´t usually come with a bargain.
In this, the data sheet of the Morpheis-device is pretty impressive: Up to 72 hours of working time before the unit needs a recharge. This is also done when the sun is shining via built-in solar panel which continuously recharge the batteries as well. There is a “home unit”, a small white display, which provides a steady wireless connection (radio-based) with the buoy – independent of any external networks or GSM-service. If the system is within reach of GSM networks, it can send additionally instant SMS alert messages to two mobile phone numbers. It is said that the buoy is ready to be used right after unboxing: No setup or installation of any sort is needed.
And there´s even more: The dyneema line that connects Morpheis to the anchor underneath has a breaking load in excess of 750 kilograms. That said, even a stuck anchor may be easily be freed utilizing this line. Also, the buoy itself is highly visible at night for up to 200 meters, signaling any other vessels that there´s an anchor at work. LEDs prevent other skippers from drop their anchor on top of cross your chain. Nice!
Will Morpheis work for you as well?
In essence, I am also wondering if this is something for me. Because, honestly, I am a true chicken when it comes to anchoring. For whatever reason, I never really trust the anchor and its chain, seldom find a really deep relaxing sleep. Well, when at anchor in the past, it never broke out or dragged, but the “fear” remains. So, for my peace of mind … yes, this would be awesome. On the other hand: Do I use my anchor that often? And above all, do I use it in tricky conditions with high wind speeds and swell? Probably not. So spending the 1.5 k Euros is worth some consideration. And I assume it´s the same for you.
If you are anchoring in remote and hefty conditions, this is a no-brainer for sure: I have always had the opinion – and will always be sticking to it – that everything that makes a skipper safer in his mind, is a good investment! That is valid for bow-thrusters, personal locator beacons and other safety-related gadgets. And hence, as well as for the Morpheis device. I will most certainly take a much closer look onto this when I have the chance to see one, preferably for a live-test! But for now: Great idea, guys, great execution in bringing this to market – and all the best for creating a hopefully satisfied and growing customer base!
Pictures not taken by me © by Wikipedia (Morpheus sleeping) and Mooring Solution
More articles related to anchoring:
Testing my brand new Ultra anchor
Mooring the Greek way: At anchor with aft lines
Refurbishing a rusty old anchor – does it save money?
