Abstract: Self-tailing winch with a release function, where said winch comprises: a stator body adapted to be fastened on a surface; a drum body arranged concentrically and rotatable around said stator body; a self-tailing device arranged concentrically to said drum body, where said self-tailing device comprises: two self-tailing jaws defining an opening suitable to receive a rope, sheet or halyard; a self-tailing cover which is rotatable relative to the drum body and the self-tailing jaws; a releasable coupling arranged between the self-tailing cover and the self-tailing jaws, said coupling being able to couple the self-tailing jaws to the drum body and by manipulating the self-tailing cover completely releasing the self-tailing jaws from their engagement with the drum body, allowing the self-tailing jaws to rotate relative to the drum.

Abstract: A cam cleat includes at least two gripping members mounted in space apart relation. The gripping members provide a line gripping passage therebetween through which a line can extend. At least one of the gripping members includes a cam shaped gripping pawl mounted on a base member for pivotal movement relative to the upper gripping member. Movement of the gripping pawl toward the other gripping member closes the line gripping passage so that a line in the passage is gripped between the gripping members. Each gripping pawl has a pair of gripping surfaces arranged in symmetrical relation so that one of the pair of gripping surfaces engages the line during gripping. The surface allocated for gripping depends on the orientation of the gripping pawl relative to the other gripping member.