Handy Billy's definition varies depending on location
In the world of sailing, the Handy Billy is often considered a sailor's handiest companion on board. This versatile piece of equipment, also known as a quick-grab general purpose block and tackle system, is a must-have for any seafarer.
The Handy Billy is renowned for its ability to slide super smoothly on the blocks, making it an ideal solution for a variety of tasks. From temporary removal of load off the headsail clew, to diversion of sheet leads, short-handed crew recovery, lifting large weights, precision placement of ultra-heavy things, and even solving deck level rigging failure problems, the Handy Billy is a jack-of-all-trades.
The term 'billy' in this context refers to a portable and efficient system for lifting or pulling heavy loads. Whether you choose to build or buy a mobile "Billy", it's essential to ensure you have the necessary materials and plans for construction, or to check specialized retailers or online shops for purchasing.
In a recent conversation, Nikki Henderson was discussing the need for a Handy Billy while working on a boat. Dennis, who was on the other end of a handheld VHF radio, responded with the necessary information. A four-year-old named Axel, a friend's son, was learning how to speak on the radio with his grandfather, Dennis, during the conversation.
The Handy Billy is often compared to a fancy tourniquet, a solution to problems on board when there is no winch close by. With a 3:1 purchase system, a Handy Billy can lift a load of 90kg with just 30kg of pulling power, making it an invaluable asset on any vessel.
The Handy Billy's versatility and usefulness have been documented in sailing history. French sailor Bernard Moitessier, for instance, used a Handy Billy to fix his bowsprit during his solo circumnavigation.
Interestingly, the term 'billy' has been used in various contexts across the globe. In Canada's Pacific Northwest, a Handy Billy is a wooden motorboat with an outboard motor under a housing for a quieter ride. Meanwhile, in Australia, a 'billycan' (also known as a 'billy') is a metal can used to boil water for tea and coffee.
In the US Navy, a Billy is an engine-powered portable water pump to empty out sinking compartments on a ship. And in British slang, sea shanties such as 'Rio Grande' and 'Heave Away, Me Johnnies' (Johnnies interchanges for Billy) identify sailors as 'bullies', which could be 'billies' with a pirate twang.
Up in north-east England, when someone is referred to as a 'billy', they are being called a good friend or close companion. This just goes to show that the Handy Billy, in its many forms, is not just a tool, but a symbol of camaraderie and shared endeavour on the high seas.
Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a novice, the Handy Billy can be used almost anywhere on a boat to pull something heavy. So, whether you're setting sail on a grand adventure or just enjoying a leisurely cruise, remember to keep your Handy Billy close at hand.
