ROPEWORK
Use of Winches

Winches come in various sizes and perform a variety of tasks. They are mainly used in conjunction with the yachts halyards and sheet lines where the last couple of meters may need to be tensioned using a winching advantage. Winches have certain designed gear ratios within to produce a mechanical advantage to a skilled operator.

By far the simplest method to remember is the 1 - 2 - 3 Method for serious sheet-hands. One turn around the winch and take up the slack seeing their are no obstructions. On the order still with one turn, pull firmly by hand keeping an eye out for snags. When one cannot pull any more by hand, take another turn on the winch (now two), place the winch handle into the winch and begin tensioning until the bulk of the work is completed. Then stop, apply another turn (now three), change gear if available for fine tuning purposes before jamming or cleating

Releasing requires uncleating with one hand and firmly holding the rope around the drum with the other avoiding its release prematurely. On the order to release quickly take off the turns and see that the remaining line runs freely. A controlled release like lowering a person down the mast requires positive communications with a slow and careful release where individual turns are taken off at intervals after the initial tension has been released.

Double Sheet Bend
Used for joining two ropes together. Make the loop in the thicker rope and then make the knot as shown. It is stronger with an extra turn around the loop, when it is known as a Double Sheet Bend. Undo by holding the ropes on both sides of the knot and pushing your hands towards each other.

Clove Hitch
Useful for securing a rope to a spar or for attaching a burgee stick to its halyard. It can be difficult to undo when wet.