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Glossary

Windlass Shanty

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The Black Dog Tall Ships Allison Shaw

Huckleberry Hunting


A windlass is horizontal in orientation, unlike the capstan which is vertical. It is usually driven by two T-shaped handles, which are heaved up and down by the crew, turning the horizontal barrel of the windlass, which in turn winches the desired object. A similar apparatus is used to pump out the water which accumulates in the lower part of the ship.The windlass and pump shanties are similar with minor variations to the capstan shanties. They have long verses and refrains. Huckleberry Hunting is a windlass or pumping shanty that is a mix of New England verses that tell the story of courtship during berry-picking season and African-American chorus. It is performed by Forebitter on the recording "American Sea Chanteys."

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