em2naught,
the wenches I mean are operated by two men with both hands, like bicycle pedals. I doubt they are about trimming the sails, since the sails do not visibly change and the wenches are being operated ALL THE TIME, they are in constant movement, in one direction. Like pumps to keep water out.

Its also not about the swords I think, since I saw these beign dropped and lifted like dropping an anchor - too fast. And sometimes they even operate them like bicycle pedals indeed:
http://www.juanpanews.com/wp-content...5f285082fa.jpg