Pulling Power

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Using skill rather than strength to tighten a line
Sheets on a sailboat generate a considerable pull and need frequent adjustment; hence, the need for cockpit winches to multiply your muscle power. The maximum horizontal pull a person can exert on a line, given a good foothold, is around 150 pounds (68 kg). But when you’re pulling downward—on a halyard, for example—your maximum pull equals your body weight.You can easily tighten a halyard to more than your body weight by swigging it. Swigging (or sweating up) is the old term for putting far greater tension in a halyard that would be possible with a straight pull.To swig a halyard, hoist it as tightly as you can and then take a half turn around a cleat to prevent its slipping. With one hand, grasp the halyard as high as you can, and pull it out—away from the mast—using your body weight. Then take up the slack you have won in this way by pulling with your other hand as you let the line go back toward the mast. The lower end of the halyard will slip around the cleat and be held in position as you haul tight on it. Repeat the process several times and in a brace of shakes, the halyard will be bar taut.It requires some dexterity and timing, but it’s a valuable skill that comes quickly with practice. On large yachts, two people can work together, one swigging and the other taking up the slack. Swigging can also be used on docklines and anchor lines.See also Winches.

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Pulling Power was a regional motoring programme shown only in the Central Television region on ITV in 1996. However, it returned in 2005 and was shown on the ITV1 on a series trial basis until 2008, and it was also as a filler programme at times. It has also been shown on ITV4. Presenters included Mike Brewer, Michele Newman and Mike Rutherford, Sarah-Jane Mee and Edd China.

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