Hi Rachel, It may be total overkill, as you said, but you sure can sleep soundly if you know that you have a good solid attachment to the bottom. When it started blowing, our first action was to row out a second anchor. (like reefing - doing it early is better than when the weather situation keeps deteriorating and then you have to do it.) Two anchors out is MUCH better than just one - and it reduces the swing radius if your boat (like my old one) which liked to sail around the anchor. Pleasant, sound sleep, in total safety, under all conditions, is the ultimate aim. Connie