How to Be Your Own Winch Wench
Debbie Koelliker
Sailboat winches may seem to be elaborate, foreign machines to most of us. And as machines, they require some tools and a bit of technical knowledge to care for them properly. This hands-on class will give you a chance to get your hands dirty (just kidding, we’ll have gloves!). During this class you will see how winches are assembled and how they should be maintained. Together, we will take apart several winches, clean, oil, grease and re-assemble. We will have several different types of winches available. As well as the hands-on portion, we will cover the basic mechanics of modern winches.
For Debbie, racing sailboats started out as a casual interest and developed into an obsession. She started sailing in the 90’s on the Chesapeake Bay. Her first major competition was Audi/Yachting Race Week in Solomon’s Island, MD on the bow of a C&C 33. She really learned how to sail when she started competing in one design fleets like Hobie 16's, Nacras, Capri 22, J's and PHRF. She has competed in Key West Race Week, Block Island Race Week, Women's Rolex, Netherlands' Medenblik J22 Worlds, and Wednesday night Beer Can races on the Bay, Lake Erie, and Lake Michigan. Blue-water racing, cruising and work -- like the Bermuda Race, NYC deliveries, and cruising in the British Virgin Islands -- added a new perspective. Today, Debbie is crewing and skippering on Catalina 30s, a Trimaran, and even ice boats on inland lakes and Lake Michigan. Debbie is still learning more about sailing every day.
Skill level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
For Debbie, racing sailboats started out as a casual interest and developed into an obsession. She started sailing in the 90’s on the Chesapeake Bay. Her first major competition was Audi/Yachting Race Week in Solomon’s Island, MD on the bow of a C&C 33. She really learned how to sail when she started competing in one design fleets like Hobie 16's, Nacras, Capri 22, J's and PHRF. She has competed in Key West Race Week, Block Island Race Week, Women's Rolex, Netherlands' Medenblik J22 Worlds, and Wednesday night Beer Can races on the Bay, Lake Erie, and Lake Michigan. Blue-water racing, cruising and work -- like the Bermuda Race, NYC deliveries, and cruising in the British Virgin Islands -- added a new perspective. Today, Debbie is crewing and skippering on Catalina 30s, a Trimaran, and even ice boats on inland lakes and Lake Michigan. Debbie is still learning more about sailing every day.
Skill level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced