Gallery: Whitby, UK

Old Capstan, Whitby East Pier by Rod Johnson

Old Capstan, Whitby East Pier

Located near to the disused lighthouse, this is one of two old capstans on the East Pier at Whitby in North Yorkshire, England. The wooden capstan would rotate on a vertical axis and when in use, it would have levers or bars inserted into the holes near the top. It would then be rotated clockwise by four men pushing on the levers; this would wind a hauling rope, cable or hawser around the drum. A simple ratchet system at the bottom of the drum held the tension and prevented run-back. Sailing ships that were battling against rough seas could be hauled into the harbour using one or more capstans.

Camera: Nikon D90
Lens: Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 32mm
Shutter Speed: 1/125 second
Aperture: f/8
ISO Speed: 200
Date Taken: 31 Mar. 2013

Image Ref: 36186-RDA

 

 

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