Redheads, also known as people with natural red hair, have often been portrayed throughout history and popular culture as fiery, passionate, and fierce. This stereotype even extends to their perceived pain tolerance and strength. But is there any truth to the idea that redheads are able to withstand more pain or lift more weight than people of other hair colors? Let’s explore what science and physics have to say.
The Physics of Anchors
An anchor is a heavy object that is attached to a boat or ship by a cable or chain and is dropped overboard so it will grip the bottom and hold the vessel in place. The amount of weight an anchor is able to hold depends on several physical factors:
- The size and shape of the anchor – Larger, heavier anchors with more surface area on the bottom can get a better grip on the seafloor.
- The type of seafloor – Rocky, sandy, or muddy bottoms will affect how well the anchor catches and holds.
- Scope – The ratio between the length of anchor rode (the cable/chain) and the depth of the water. More scope provides more holding power.
- Weather conditions – High winds and waves will put more strain on the anchor’s grip.
The strength of the person lifting or holding the anchor comes secondary to these factors. A lightweight, low-profile anchor with short scope on a sandy bottom will slip easily no matter who is holding it. Conversely, a large, heavy anchor dug deep into a rocky seabed could require machinery to lift even for the burliest strongman.
Strength Differences Between Hair Colors
Is there good evidence that redheads are inherently stronger or more pain tolerant than people with other natural hair colors? Let’s look at what scientific research has found.
Pain tolerance – A few studies have suggested that people with red hair may have a slightly higher pain threshold and tolerance than those with dark hair. A 2004 test found that people with red hair were able to withstand electric shocks at a higher intensity.[1] Another study found redheads required about 20% more anesthesia during surgery than those with dark or blonde hair.[2]
However, other analyses have found mixed results or no difference in pain tolerance based on hair color. A larger 2006 review concluded that “at this time, too little data exists to definitively determine whether red hair is associated with increased or decreased pain sensitivity and analgesia.”[3]
Strength – There is less research specifically looking at strength differences based on hair color. One study tested grip strength and found no major differences between hair colors.[4] Another looking at hair color and injury risk in athletes found no clear pattern associating red hair with decreased injury rates, which would be expected if redheads had superior strength.[5]
Overall, the scientific consensus is that there are no significant inherent strength or endurance differences between people based on hair color. Culture and stereotypes may exaggerate small variations found in some studies.
Estimating Anchor Weight Capacity
Since hair color itself does not seem to impact strength capabilities, we can estimate how much weight a redhead could hold based on general human strength levels.
The strongest human anchor likely comes from the ranks of elite strength athletes like powerlifters and strongmen competitors. The world record in the deadlift, which measures sheer lifting strength, is 1,105 lb held by Eddie Hall.[6] Other athletes have deadlifted over 900 lb in competition.
However, this represents a single maximum lift. Holding an anchor in place requires gripping a weight for an extended period. One study tested grip endurance among athletes and found that the longest hold with 75% of a person’s one-rep max deadlift was between 26-70 seconds.[7]
Based on this, we can estimate an extremely strong redhead may be able to hold 500-700 lb for up to a minute before their grip would fail. Much would depend on specific training – an athlete who practices holds and grip strength could extend this time. An average fit redhead likely tops out at 300-400 lb hold strength.
Records for Deepest Anchor Drops
Another way to estimate realistic redhead anchor lifting capacity is to look at records for deepest anchor drops. These provide real-world examples of anchors that have been successfully raised by humans.
The deepest anchor drop from a ship was accomplished in 2020 by the crew of the Maersk Mærsk, who dropped their anchor an incredible 10,927 feet (3,328 meters) deep off the coast of Jamaica.[8] Their anchor weighed 22,000 lb (10 metric tons).
Other ultra-deep anchor world records include:
- Deepest anchor setting – 10,402 feet (3,174 m) by the drillship D/V Chikyu in 2012.
- Deepest mooring system deployment – 9,843 feet (3,000 m) by the R/V Sonne in the Kermadec Trench in 2011.
- Highest anchor recovery – 7,220 feet (2,200 m) by the CCGS John P. Tully in the Hecate Strait in 1976.
Based on these accomplishments, it’s feasible for a team of strong individuals with machinery assistance to lift anchors of 10,000 to 20,000 lb from depths up to 10,000 feet. A sole redhead likely maxes out at lifts of a few hundred pounds from reasonable recreational boat depths.
How to Determine Suitable Anchor Weight
Rather than starting with a human anchor’s strength, it’s best to work backwards and have the physics determine appropriate anchor weight:
- Identify the size/type of vessel and maximum conditions expected.
- Determine the seafloor holding ground (rock, sand, mud).
- Calculate scope needed for expected depths and weather.
- Identify anchor design options able to meet these criteria.
- Select the lightest possible anchor that still meets requirements.
This engineering-focused approach takes human capability out of the equation and ensures the anchor selected will properly hold the vessel. Safety margins are also built-in – an anchor strong enough to hold a boat in 50 knot winds won’t be at its limit with one person lifting it in calm seas.
As a rule of thumb, a general guideline is to have an anchor weight equal to around 1-4% of the vessel’s displacement weight. For example, a 10,000 lb boat would take a 100-400 lb anchor. Much more may be needed for storm conditions or heavy vessels.
Conclusion
In summary, there is no evidence that redheads are inherently stronger or more capable of lifting heavy anchors than people with other hair colors. Real holding power depends primarily on the anchor itself and the conditions it’s used in. With the right equipment, even an average person can lift an anchor strong enough to hold a large boat. But relying on human brawn alone is a risky proposition when the physics of heavy weights underwater are considered.
Rather than trying to push the limits of human strength, proper anchoring follows a methodical process focused on engineering safety factors. While redhead stereotypes may persist in pop culture, the reality is that hair color offers little insight into anchoring capabilities.