Definitions for "Winches"
Mechanical devices used to pull, turn, or lift heavy things. Used to haul in fishing lines on trollers, seiners and other fishing boats. Also known as gurdies.
geared winding-type gizmos attached to the deck. The sheets (lines used to control the position of the sails) pass through them. Winding them allows for the hoisting and pulling down of sails, and in lower gears, for the fine adjustment of the sails. Bloody hard work, especially on bigger yachts.