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There are a couple of popular ways to set your anchor under sail. Both require some practice to get confident at them with your particular boat.
1) One method is to let the boat stall over the spot you want to set the anchor. As the wind/current push the boat back, slowly pay out the correct amount of scope then secure. We then apply pressure to the anchor by back winding the sails for about 4-5 minutes. If there is not much wind the second method may be a better method for you.
2) This method takes a little more planning and practice. Here we will be using the boats momentum to apply the force to set the anchor. You may have to read this section several times to fully understand the principle. This method is not recommended for all chain anchor rodes due to possible injury or damage to your boat. Before getting to the anchorage take the anchor plus enough rode for approximately 5:1 scope from the bow of the boat to the stern. Make sure you have your scope layed out so it wont twist or tangle as you pay it out. Make sure the line is run right down one side of the boat on the outside of all deck hardware ( usually the side that is easiest to walk down ) If you are confused don't worry, it will begin to make sense to you soon.(trust me) yeah right. Now you are ready to anchor. As you get to the anchorage you will sail over the spot where you wish to set the anchor and check that it is a good spot. Then tack around and sail back downwind over the same spot.(We recommend using gloves as this procedure can be tough on hands). Once over the spot drop the anchor and chain over and start paying out line as it's needed. When the line at the stern is almost gone start walking forward whilst still paying out anchor line. When beside the rigging in the middle of the boat grip the line as tight as possible without pulling yourself off the boat or pulling a muscle. This is the pressure we are using to set the anchor. While you are doing this the boat will pivot around and face into the wind and eventually stop. At this point adjust scope for the conditions. As I said this method takes a bit more practice but once mastered I find it easier than backwinding the sails. Best to practice this on a light wind day so you get your system figured out in calm easy conditions. It's quite a sense of achievement mastering these techniques. A person could get get hooked on anchoring.