The sails of a large yacht exert considerable force on the ropes which control them. As a result, hauling the ropes tight requires considerable physical effort. Knowing how to operate a winch makes the task much easier.
The average cruising yacht has several winches in the cockpit area. Some yachts also have winches on either side of the mast.
A winch works by applying friction to a rope, gripping it tight in the process. If possible it is best for two crew members to operate a winch. One person works the winch and the other pulls on the end of the rope, known as tailing.
Some winches have a jaw-like device called a self-tailer. A self-tailing winch grips onto a rope and prevents it from unwinding, which makes it possible for one person to operate the winch.
1.Beginning from the bottom of the drum, wrap the rope around the barrel of the winch in a clockwise direction.
2. Wind the rope around the drum three or four times.
3. Insert the winch handle into the top of the winch and use it to wind the rope tight.
4. Cleat the rope when it is wound in to keep it under tension.
5. Remove the winch handle.
It is very important not to overlap the turns of the rope as this will cause them to cross over each other and jam. When this happens it is known as a riding turn.
The skipper might ask for a sheet under load on a winch to be eased a little. This may happen when a jib sheet has been over tightened. This is done as follows:
1. Uncleat the sheet.
2. Keep the sheet tight to prevent it slipping.
3. Press the heel of your hand over the turns on the winch.
4. Allow the sheet to slide slowly around the drum, releasing some of the tension.
5. Re-cleat the sheet when it is eased enough.
Warning
Tell the skipper if you do not know how to operate a winch. You will be instructed how to use it properly and safely. This is very important as winches can trap fingers and get jammed if they are not used correctly.
For more information Off-Road Winch, please get in touch with us!