How Often Do You Service Your Winches?

[EmeraldCoastSailor]

Every fall I sail on a 40+ year old Ensign in a race that is commonly the highlight of my summer. The boat needs help but we make it around buoys every year having a great time. One year the starboard winch failed while readying for the start (in less than 20 minutes). I asked when was the last time they were serviced and the look on my friend's (owner) face said it all. I quickly disassembled it, "got her going" with WD40 (it was all I had), and we sailed like a witch. We didn't win (we never do) but we had a great day sailing the Boston Harbor Islands.