What does 'fore and aft anchor' refer to in boating terminology?

The term 'fore and aft anchor' indeed refers to a configuration in which one anchor is set at the bow (fore) of the vessel and another anchor is set at the stern (aft). This arrangement is commonly used to help secure a boat in place, particularly in situations where wind or current may cause it to swing on its anchor. By using both a fore and an aft anchor, sailors can create a more stable position, preventing the vessel from rotating around a single point. This is especially useful in crowded anchorages or when needing to maintain a specific orientation to wind or tide.

In contrast, the other choices describe different scenarios that do not accurately represent the definition of 'fore and aft anchor'. Anchors set to the port or starboard side do not capture the essence of having one anchor at the front and another at the back of the vessel. Similarly, setting two anchors at equal distances from the vessel does not delineate the specific positioning at the bow and stern, which is critical for the 'fore and aft' terminology.