Nautical vessels utilize large single or double-headed winches called capstans to control mooring ropes when docking. From a French word meaning "pulley cord" and Latin meaning "to take hold of", the capstan is a spool-like rotating drum connected by a shaft to the deck below, allowing for continuous pull on very long, thick mooring ropes. The lines are secured manually to cleats on the dock, and then tightened using a gearbox control on the capstan. Don't get caught in the lines, or... "you're done."

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