Here’s how you hoist up the John B sail

This lovely thing is a Meissner Classic winch and is intended for hoisting and releasing a yacht's sails. It withstands enormous forces as becomes apparent if you incautiously unhook the rope from that beautifully shaped securing device and leave your fingers in the way. Engage a crank in the top and the mechanical advantage allows a human to haul with the power of ten. A ratchet prevents the wind-filled sail from biting back. That's all there is, really. Yet those on my brother's yacht cost £700 each. A matching pair would look good on your mantelshelf (as they say in the North).