Lewmar Winches & Winch Handles

Lewmar Winches & Winch Handles: Race-Proven Engineering on Every Deck

When it comes to sail-trimming hardware, few names carry as much weight as Lewmar. Lewmar has been at the forefront of winch design and innovation since the brand's early days, and their winches and winch handles remain the benchmark against which other marine hardware is measured. From offshore racing yachts to coastal cruisers, Lewmar winch systems are trusted by sailors who simply cannot afford to have deck hardware fail when the breeze pipes up.

A Legacy Forged in Competition

Lewmar's winch credentials are not just marketing — they are written into sailing history. Lewmar attacked the high-technology world of America's Cup racing, supplying the first AC winch package to Korura V in c. 1966/68. That racing heritage continued for decades: both boats competing in the legendary 1983 America's Cup — Australia II and Liberty — had Lewmar winch systems. More recently, the brand supplied winch systems to America's Cup, Volvo Ocean Race, and TP52 teams, proving that Lewmar winches are equally at home at the highest levels of the sport.

A key innovation that defined the modern winch handle category came with the brand's patented OneTouch mechanism. In 2006, Lewmar won the prestigious DAME Award for the second time with the OneTouch winch handle. That handle has since evolved into the current ProTouch Winch Handle: retaining the same trusted technology and reliable performance, but now with a bold new identity, the award-winning handle enables effortless one-handed operation in a sleek new design.

The EVO Winch Line

An evolution of the renowned Lewmar Ocean winch, the EVO Self-Tailing Winch draws on a wealth of design and manufacturing experience to produce a state-of-the-art product, with a wide choice of sizes and styles for any style or application. What sets the EVO apart in day-to-day use is its tool-free serviceability: no tools are required to service a Lewmar EVO winch — simply unscrew the top cap with your fingers to remove the drum and provide access to the gear train. EVO winches are available in black or grey alloy and chrome bronze for the cruising sailor. Manual winches feature single speed or two speed, while sizes 40 to 80 are available with electric or hydraulic operation.

A key design element of the EVO self-tailer is its rope management system: the integrated, investment-cast, stainless steel feeder arm completely covers the top of the winch, preventing a rope trap above the Wavespring jaws, and its position can be adjusted to smoothly feed the rope out of the jaws and into the cockpit.

Winch Handles Built for the Long Haul

Lewmar's winch handle lineup is equally well thought out. Options range from standard handles that are reliable and easy to use, to lock-in handles for a secure fit, floating handles that prevent accidental loss overboard, and ergonomic grip designs that are comfortable and slip-resistant — available in aluminum and composite construction for a lightweight yet strong feel.

The ProTouch Handle takes this further with purposeful engineering: grip options include single, double, and power grip for a secure, comfortable hold and maximum efficiency, while the extended release lever runs the full length of the handle for smooth, effortless operation. For sailors who need reliability in saltwater conditions, Lewmar handles and parts are made to exacting standards, with regular maintenance ensuring smoother operation, safer sailing, and extended equipment life — especially in salt-heavy environments.

For Lewmar customers, there is no such thing as "just a winch" — inside every winch you will find materials developed over many years, designed using the latest techniques, and machined using CNC equipment. Whether you are upgrading a cruising boat or equipping a performance racer, Lewmar winches and winch handles deliver the durability and precision that serious sailors demand. Browse the full Lewmar brand page or explore the complete Winches & Winch Handles category to find the right equipment for your vessel.