The capstan: then
Historically, the capstan was a wooden drum with a vertical axis into which capstan bars were inserted, around which a rope was wound. These bars—removable levers used to rotate the capstan—featured a square or rectangular end that fitted into sockets on the vertical spindle. The opposite end was rounded and tapered, allowing sailors to grip it securely while operating the device.
This arrangement multiplied the applied force, enabling crews to heave heavy lines, weigh anchor, or hoist sails and spars—often weighing several tonnes. Capstan work, entirely manual at the time, was both arduous and hazardous, with no safety mechanisms in place. It was not uncommon for sailors to sing while working, expressing both fatigue and frustration; the often coarse or insubordinate lyrics were tolerated, given the intensity of the labour involved.
The capstan: today
In modern recreational boating, the capstan has evolved into a vertical-axis winch, which may be powered by hydraulic or electric systems. The external rotating drum around which the line is taken is known as the warping head.
By extension, the clove hitch is commonly referred to in French as a “cabestan knot”, as it is typically used when securing a vessel to a ring, post, or bollard. The term “capstan” is also used in certain contexts to designate a high-speed vessel, though this usage remains secondary.
The purpose of a capstan
A capstan is used to haul in or pay out a rope around a vertical axis, whether by manual, electric, or hydraulic power. Electrically and hydraulically driven capstans can be operated remotely via control panels or handheld devices.
Originally, capstans were primarily installed on vessels where manual line handling was impractical due to weight—particularly large yachts and superyachts. Today, they are also regarded as comfort and handling aids, and are increasingly fitted on smaller motorboats and sailing yachts, regardless of size or displacement.
Hydraulic or electric capstan: how to choose
Two primary criteria should guide the selection of a capstan:
- Spatial constraints, which must take into account not only the footprint of the unit but also the space required for the motor and underlying mechanism;
- Power rating, which should be determined primarily by the displacement and operational requirements of the vessel.
The choice of drive system—hydraulic or electric—follows. A hydraulic capstan requires the installation of a dedicated hydraulic circuit if the vessel is not already equipped, which entails technical expertise or professional intervention.
Specific types of capstan
The windlass
A windlass operates on a similar principle to a capstan but is specifically designed for anchor handling. It is dimensioned according to the anchor and rode, and typically comprises:
- a vertical or horizontal winch system;
- a gypsy wheel, shaped to match the links of the anchor chain, allowing it to grip and guide the chain while facilitating transition between chain and rope rode;
- a chain wheel (wildcat), toothed to engage the anchor chain links;
- a warping head, used to recover rope sections of the rode. This component may also serve as a powered winch, for example to assist a crew member ascending the mast or to tension a mooring line.
The mooring capstan
The mooring capstan is used for berthing operations in port or alongside a quay. While it performs a similar function to a mooring winch, it can also be used in anchoring operations.
For larger vessels, mooring lines are often made of steel wire, whereas synthetic fibres are typically used on small to medium-sized boats. Mooring capstans are designed according to vessel type and operational requirements.
The fixed deck fitting used to secure a mooring line is known as a bollard. It may be of single or double post configuration, depending on the size and displacement of the vessel to be secured.
