Existing comment:
The Capstan:
The object, that looks like a hub with spokes sticking out, is a capstan, a device that used human power to hoist the anchor or lift heavy spars....
Location of Capstans:
Almost every vessel of any size would have one or more captains. In the Royal Navy, their placement was determined by need, custom, and Navy regulations. To give an idea of the number and location of captains on board the rated ships of the Navy, three models typical of one-, two-, or three-deckers are illustrated with the capstans indicated. ... |