Glossary icon

Glossary

Capstan Shanty

** Not Found: /note/views/shanty_capstan.jpg

Wikimedia Commons BrokenSphere

Santianno


A capstan is a type of winch, that is vertically oriented. It resembles a mushroom, with holes around the edge of the cap. Wooden bars are placed into the holes, making it look like the spokes of a wheel from above. Crew members stand behind the bars and push against them as they march around the capstan. Capstan shanties vary a bit from windlass or pump shanties. They have long verses and refrains. Santianno is a capstan shanty performed by the Mystic Seaport Chanteymen and recorded on "Songs of the Sailor."

JavaScript required access all features of this site. Use Browser Back to return.