Winch Handle

A detachable lever used to operate a winch, providing mechanical advantage for tightening or loosening lines on a sailing vessel.

A winch handle is an essential tool on sailing boats, designed to fit into the top of a winch, which is a mechanical device used to tension or ease lines, such as sheets or halyards. The winch itself is a drum-like mechanism that provides mechanical advantage, allowing sailors to control the tension of ropes or cables with greater ease. By inserting the winch handle into the winch, the user can crank the handle, which rotates the winch drum, either pulling in or letting out the line. 

Winch handles come in various lengths, typically ranging from 8 to 10 inches, with longer handles providing more leverage but requiring more space to operate. They are often made from materials like aluminium or stainless steel for durability, and some models feature ergonomic grips or even ratcheting mechanisms that allow for more efficient operation. Many modern winch handles also float, a useful feature in case they are accidentally dropped overboard.

On a sailing yacht, winch handles are vital for trimming sails, particularly when dealing with high loads or strong winds. They allow sailors to make precise adjustments to the sail’s tension, which is critical for optimising performance and maintaining control of the vessel. Winch handles are typically stowed in easily accessible locations, such as cockpit lockers or dedicated holders, so they can be quickly retrieved when needed.