Alright, I'm new to sailing and have recently purchased my first boat (a 1972 Newport 27). I'm having a great time and I'm starting to get the hang of it, but I have a really dumb question to ask. The
winches which I use for the
jib sheets (when the wind actually picks up enough to need them) are not fixed to the boat. Meaning that I could just grab one and lift it right of its base. Lifting them even one inch defeats their racheting effect and lifting them more obviously means it comes completely off. This has to be wrong, right? I mean, what if you accidentally gave a little lift to the sheet while you were easing it out or pulling it in? The
winch could easily rise a little and you would suddenly have no more racheting resistance. I just want to know if for some reason they are supposed to work this way. I really don't see anything "wrong" with them or anything missing, so I don't get how they could even be held down if they are supposed to be. I have a strong feeling this is a stupid question, so have mercy on me and my
winch. Thanks