Learn the 5 Most Important Sailing Knots Every Nautical Enthusiast Should Know.
What is a Knot?
A knot is defined as a loop on a rope, a method of joining two or more ropes, or a loop used to attach a rope to an object.
What is a Good Knot?
A properly tied knot that can be tied quickly, holds well, is reliable, and can be easily untied.
Where Are Knots Used?
Despite technological advancements in maritime and nautical equipment, new shapes, and materials, ropes remain an indispensable tool on all vessels—from small boats to massive transoceanic ships across seas and oceans. Therefore, knowledge of knots is crucial for safe and reliable sailing.
The Five Most Important Knots:
Bowline
The most versatile knot, known by many names: non-slipping loop, sailor’s knot, dead knot, nylon knot, non-slipping loop, Bowline (Eng.).
The name itself indicates that it does not slip, making it easy to untie. Nevertheless, it is reliable and useful. It is used for mooring boats to a dock, tying sails or covers, and for securing and rescuing.
Create a loop. Pass the working end through the loop from below, around the standing part of the rope, and back through the loop, tightening it.
(Photo: pinterest.com)
Clove Hitch
Also known as a constrictor knot or sliding loop, Clove Hitch (Eng.). It is very simple, holds well, and tightens under load. It is used to attach fenders to rails or for quick and temporary docking.
Wrap the end of the rope over the post from the front, make another loop, and pull the end under the second loop, tightening both ends. Under heavy loads, it may become difficult to untie.
(Photo: news.toolbox.co.uk)
Figure Eight Knot
The Figure Eight knot is simple and used as a stopper knot to prevent a rope from slipping through a hole or loop. To tie it, make a loop, pass the end around the standing part of the rope, and pull it through the loop. To create a larger knot, pass the end through the loop again.
(Photo: news.toolbox.co.uk)
Anchor Hitch
The Anchor Hitch, or Fisherman’s Bend (Eng.), is suitable for tying to rings or anchors. This knot does not tighten under load, making it easy to untie.
It resembles the Clove Hitch but adds a step: after creating the first loop, the working end passes under the rope at the post or spar. Wrap the rope twice, pass the end over the working part, and finish with a half hitch under the wraps.
(Photo: deltas.freeserve.co.uk)
Cleat Hitch
The Cleat Hitch is used to tie lines to a cleat. It is a simple and self-tightening knot for securing anchor and mooring lines on modern sports boats.
Make the first turn around the cleat, then wrap the rope in a figure-eight pattern. Finally, tuck the working end under the last wrap and pull tight.
(Photo: news.toolbox.co.uk)
Fun Fact: Knot as a Unit of Speed
Knots used on ropes should not be confused with the knot as a unit of speed in nautical terms. One knot equals the speed of one nautical mile per hour or approximately 0.5144 m/s.
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