III. Answer the following questions:

1. What is capstan?

2. What did the capstan, in its early form, consist of?

3. Where were bars inserted?

4. Was a rudimentary ratchet provided to hold the tension?

5. Capstans evolved to consist of a wooden drum or barrel mounted on an iron axle, didn’t they?

6. How are modern capstans powered?

7. What is the origin of the word “capstan”?

IV. Translate the text “Gypsies and Wildcats.”

The wheels on either a vertical or horizontal windlass provide for either chain or line to be engaged. The wheel for line is termed a warping head, while the chain handling wheel is variously referred to as the gypsy(in the UK) or wildcat (in America), though due to the influence of the offshore oil industry the latter usage is now more common. For clarity in communication the generic term chainwheel is often used. On small craft a warping drum is sometimes used to handle both chain & rope, although particular care must be taken with sizing and compatibility of line, chain, and windlass, for this feature to work effectively.

It is important that the Chainwheel match the chain size (i.e. the link pitch) closely. Even a small difference in link size or consistency can cause undue wear on the chainwheel and/or cause the chain to jump off the windlass when the winch is operating, particularly during payout, a runaway condition sometimes referred to as "water spouting" should it occur at high speed.

Nowadays, especially on large tankers and cruise ships, the windlass may be split into independent Port & Starboard units. In these cases they are frequently coupled with Warping Drums. In some of these the warping drums are of the self tensioning or constant tension type.

V. Insert the missing words in following sentences:

1. A capstan is a … machine used to apply … to another element, notably used on … ship and dock walls.

2. …, known as bars, were inserted through holes at the top of the … and used to turn the … .

3. The ropes were always wound in a … … .

4. Capstans evolved to consist of a … … or barrel mounted on an iron axle.

5. Modern capstans are powered …, …, pneumatically, or via an internal … engine.

VI. Ask as many questions as possible to the following sentences:

1. A capstan differs from a windlass in having the axis on which the rope is wound vertical instead of horizontal.

2. Vertical capstans use a vertical shaft with the motor and gearbox situated below the winch unit.

3. Vertical capstans allow the machinery to be placed below decks, thus lowering the center of gravity.

4. The term “winch” generally implies a machine which stores the rope on a drum.

5. Typically, a gearbox is used which trades reduced speed, relative to the prime mover.

VII. Use the following words and word combinations in sentences of your own:

To apply force, veering ropes, a vessel’s structure, to rotate, to insert through holes, to turn the capstan, to wind in a clockwise direction, to consist of a wooden drum, to push counterclockwise, to be powered hydraulically.