Self-tailing winch with a release function, where said winch comprises:



a stator body adapted to be fastened on a surface;
a drum body arranged concentrically and rotatable around said stator body;
a self-tailing device arranged concentrically to said drum body, where said self-tailing device comprises:

two self-tailing jaws defining an opening suitable to receive a rope, sheet or halyard;
a self-tailing cover which is rotatable relative to the drum body and the self-tailing jaws;
a releasable coupling arranged between the self-tailing cover and the self-tailing jaws, said coupling being able to couple the self-tailing jaws to the drum body and by manipulating the self-tailing cover completely releasing the self-tailing jaws from their engagement with the drum body, allowing the self-tailing jaws to rotate relative to the drum.