and for those not in the know
I believe the capstan is a device
which in pre deisel days was probably
a mere pully type object-a rotating
wheel that the rope travelled thru/around
while being pulled. With the advent of
engines on board, there is a motorized
revolving wheel which assists the rope
when wrapped around it and helps to pull
the rope thru by rotating...well, a
picture is worth a thousand words, but
not having a picture.....and the ropes
raise or lower the sails--duh....