How to Wrap a Winch When Sailing

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:WrapWinchWhenSailing
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How to Wrap a Winch When Sailing

Introduction

There's more to wrapping or "loading up" a winch than meets the eye. Plenty can go wrong to slow your tack, foul your trimming or pinch your fingers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Rig your sheets correctly, taking care to see that they run straight from the block to the winch without rubbing against anything that will inhibit trimming and cause damage to the line or hardware.
2

Step Two

Run the length of the sheet through your hands to get out any twists and hockles.
3

Step Three

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Lay the sheet in the open palm of your hand, then begin wrapping it in a clockwise motion around the spool of the winch until you have three wraps.
4

Step Four

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Keep your hand above the winch as you wrap, taking care not to wrap the line around your hand or fingers.
5

Step Five

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Hold the line taut and free of slack so that it lies on top of itself, snug to the winch. There should be no overlaps or knots in the sheet.

Tips & Warnings

  • Perform your wrapping motion as if you were stirring a large pot of stew.
  • Pull the sheet after you've wrapped it to make sure it is grabbing the winch. With enough tension the winch should rotate and you will hear it clicking.
  • Wrap your winch before you need it - while there is no load on your sheet.
  • Keep your fingers and hands ' if you're fond of them ' outside any wraps that might unexpectedly come under load.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Seaman's Knives
  • Winch Handles
  • Sailboats
  • Main And Jib Sheets
  • Sailing Gloves
Tools: |