Mastering Winches: A Sailor’s Guide!
- Episode 083 Your Pocket Sailing Instructor podcast
- Released: February 1, 2026
- Duration: 19 min 44 sec
“Understand the winch, use it properly and make sail handling safer and easier.” ~ Sailing According to Coach Penny
Winches are central to sail handling, yet it is easy to use them for years without really understanding how they work or why different boats use different setups. In this episode I explore the evolution and purpose of sailing winches, including self-tailing and non-self-tailing designs, sizing, materials and electric options. I also share practical operating considerations and explains how choosing the right winch can affect efficiency, safety and the overall sailing experience. Whether you are learning the basics, considering an upgrade or simply want to understand an important piece of deck hardware better, this episode gives you a useful foundation.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
- Understand what sailboat winches do and why they matter
- Compare self-tailing and non-self-tailing winches
- Consider size, materials and electric options
- Use winches more effectively and safely
Winches are one of those pieces of sailing equipment we use so often that it’s easy to forget just how much work they’re doing for us. Whether we’re trimming a genoa, tensioning a halyard, adjusting a control line or managing a heavily loaded sheet, a winch gives us the mechanical advantage we need to handle loads that would otherwise be far beyond our strength. Understanding how a winch works—and how to use one properly—is a small skill that makes a big difference in both confidence and safety onboard.
Most sailboat winches use a combination of gearing and the friction created by wrapping a line around the drum. Those wraps are important. As the load increases, additional turns around the winch help us control the line without relying entirely on our hands. Depending on the boat, you may encounter single-speed, two-speed and self-tailing winches. Two-speed winches allow us to change the mechanical advantage simply by changing the direction we turn the handle, while self-tailing winches hold the working end of the line for us. They make sail handling much easier, particularly when sailing short-handed.
Good winch technique is also about knowing what not to do. I want sailors to develop the habit of keeping fingers, clothing and loose gear away from loaded lines and the winch drum. Always wrap the line onto the winch in the correct direction and add enough turns for the load you’re handling. Avoid letting wraps cross over one another, because an override—a riding turn that traps the line underneath another wrap—can quickly turn a simple manoeuvre into a frustrating and potentially dangerous problem. And remember that a loaded winch can be holding an enormous amount of energy, even when everything looks perfectly calm.
One of the most important skills is learning to ease a loaded line under control. Rather than simply pulling a line out of a self-tailer or removing wraps, we need to maintain control of the tail while carefully reducing tension. This becomes particularly important as the wind increases. A genoa sheet or other heavily loaded line can accelerate very quickly once it starts running. Communication matters too: before someone grinds a winch, make sure everyone involved understands whether the line is being trimmed, eased or released and that hands are safely positioned.
Winches also need a little attention from time to time. Salt, dirt and old grease can eventually make them stiff or unreliable, so periodic cleaning, inspection and servicing should be part of the boat’s maintenance routine. But more than anything, I encourage sailors to become comfortable with their winches before conditions become challenging. Practice loading them, using both speeds, easing lines and working with the self-tailer when the boat is relatively quiet. Like so many sailing skills, the goal is to make the process familiar enough that when the wind builds and things start happening quickly, you already know exactly what to do.
Cheers!
If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll love these too!
- Episode 084: Essential Tips for First-Time Boat Buyers!
- Episode 082: Equipment Upgrades! NOW Is the Time!!
- Episode 072: Standing Rigging Checks!
Share with a Friend
Resources
Podcast Episode Cheat Sheet
Download this 1-page PDF podcast episode cheat sheet!
Download –> Podcast Episode Cheat Sheet
About Penny Caldwell
Penny Caldwell is a Canadian sailing educator, Sail Canada Instructor Evaluator, marine consultant, and host of the Your Pocket Sailing Instructor podcast. With nearly three decades of teaching experience—and nine seasons spent building and running the successful sailing school Sail Nelson—she has dedicated much of her career to helping people become safer, more capable, and more confident sailors.
She is passionate about helping sailors of all skill levels build confidence, develop practical seamanship skills, and enjoy a lifetime on the water. Through her articles, podcast, instructor development programs, consulting, and sailing adventures, Penny shares practical, real-world knowledge that makes sailing safer, more enjoyable, and more accessible for everyone.
Continue the Conversation
Sailing is a lifelong learning journey, and some of the best ideas come from fellow sailors. Have a question about this topic, or a tip you’d like to share? Leave a comment below—I read every one and enjoy hearing about your experiences on the water!
