When letting go the anchor, the windlass wildcat should be in which configuration before the brake is eased?

Why B is correct

To let go, the wildcat is declutched so it is free to rotate independently of the drive, and the brake holds the chain until the order is given. The brake is then eased to allow the anchor to run out under its own weight, with the brake used to control the rate. Running the anchor out with the wildcat clutched to the drive would load the machinery improperly.