Quote: According to Henry Beard and Roy McKie's A Sailor's Dictionary, "winches" is defined as, 'Jocular term for compliant and helpful young ladies on a sailboat. By contrast, women who are serious sailors but dull company; are called "windlasses" or "wet bulbs."'
Further silliness on the subject of sailing:http://www.kichwa.com/java/sailing_termz.html