Nautical Term: Sheave

Definition of Sheave

A sheave, also referred to as a pulley, is a wheeled component of a block and tackle system. It functions by allowing the rope or cable to pass over it easily, reducing the amount of effort required to lift heavy loads. For instance, in a sailing vessel, the primary winch, which is used to haul in the anchor chain, may be equipped with several large sheaves to facilitate the winding process and make it more efficient.

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