When one turn follows the next when crossing a narrow fairway, every move has to be perfect. If the crew member does not get the crank removed from the bow winch, consequently the sheet cannot be thrown off immediately and the genuback is standing, the valuable meter to windward costs - which in case of doubt can end in awkward situations.
Test under real conditions: every crank had to prove itself in a practical test on board
With conventional winch handles with the small unlocking switch, this mishap happens quickly: once you mistake the direction in which the lever has to be pushed with your thumb, or even just slip, and the maneuver fails. On the other hand, either cranks without a safety device help - they are quickly lost, however - or single-handed winch cranks are used. These have a large lever that is easier to operate when using the crank.
We tested the Speedylock from Antal, Carbo OneTouch from Harken, One-Touch from Lewmar and Quick-Lock from Ronstan.
