On 30 November, 2006, on the name day of Andrejsala, the symbol of the island – the anchor – was unveiled. It is installed on the concreted elevation next to the parking lot, not far from the entrance to the South End of Andrejsala.

The choice of the symbol is obvious: Andrejsala is located on the bank of the River Daugava. It used to be a part of the Riga Port, and a lot of vessels used to moor to its banks. Today, the South End of Andrejsala is a harbour of various artists and creative groups that have cast the anchors of their ideas here.

The Holl anchor, popular with many sea ships, from now on will greet guests of Andrejsala at the entrance. It was manufactured in the 80s of the previous century in the city of Mykolayiv Ukraine. This steel anchor weighs about 5 tons and consists of two elements: a shank and palms soldered to the anchor’s base. Both elements are connected by a cotter-pin and stopping bolts. The anchor does not have a stock, so it can be easily drawn into the ship’s eyes as its palms are pressed to the hull.

A characteristic feature of the Holl anchor is a small number of parts and a great holding power, which exceeds the weight of the anchor 3 to 4 times. Large gaps at the part joints protect the palms from corrosion during seizing. This kind of anchor digs into the ground with its two palms, and so its does not threaten other ships in shallow waters, and an anchor chain cannot wind round the anchor chain.

Thanks to its fast weighing and casting feature, the Holl anchor is one of the most widespread anchors on sea ships. The historic Russian cruiser Aurora is also equipped with this kind of anchor. Since 1992, St. Andrew’s military Russian fleet banner has been fluttering on the cruiser.

The anchor, which has become the symbol of Andrejsala, had been stored in the warehouse and had not been used after it had been delivered to the Riga port.