Background

Competitive sailing is a sport where sailors race using the power of wind and muscle alone. In order to harness the wind, sailors raise, lower, and adjust several sails on their boat. These sails are controlled via pulley systems located throughout the boat. A sailor must be able to actively grab and adjust rope to alter the positions of the several sails at any given time in order to be successful. However, for an individual with a significant physical handicap that limits the grip strength and flexibility, the constant grabbing and adjustment of these ropes can prove difficult or even impossible.

Objective

The objective of this project is to create a mechanism that could be used to grab and hold a rope by a sailor with a significant upper body handicap. This device would allow the user, who is lacking in grip strength, to mechanically clamp on to the rope. Once the rope has been secured, the rope can be adjusted to the desired position and then released. 

Requirements:

• • Able to hold the rope with a draw force of 40 lbs.
  • Able to hold ropes of various sizes and materials.
  • Easily attaches to the body of the user.
  • Leaves at least one hand free for steering.

1 (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2015, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailing 

Figure 1: Example sailing rope 

Figure 2: Sailboat Cockpit