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Sailing know-how / Knots

Knots

Seven knots will see you through almost everything on board. Practise them ashore until you can tie them without looking, even in the dark.

Terms: the standing part is the fixed part of the line, the working end is the part you lead. A good knot holds as long as needed and can be untied afterwards.

The language of knots

Standing part
The fixed part of the line, usually under load.
Working end
The end used to tie the knot. It is red in the drawings.
Loop
A turn in which the line crosses itself.
Bight
A U-shaped bend without a crossing.
Turn
One full wrap around an object.
Half hitch
The end taken once around its own standing part and through the loop formed.

Figure-eight knot

Used for: Stopper knot at the end of a sheet so it cannot run out of the block.

Step by step

  1. Make a loop with the free end.
  2. Lead the end around behind the standing part.
  3. Pass it through the first loop from the front.
  4. Pull tight: it forms a figure of eight.
Common mistake
The end is too short and slips out when the sheet snatches. Leave a hand’s width.
Untying
Push the knot together and it loosens, even after heavy load.

Bowline

Used for: A fixed loop that does not slip. For sheets on a sail, as a rescue loop or around a bollard.

Step by step

  1. Make a small loop in the standing part, free end on top.
  2. Bring the end up through the loop from below.
  3. Pass it around behind the standing part.
  4. Back down through the loop and pull tight. "The rabbit comes out of the hole, runs round the tree and goes back down the hole."
Common mistake
The end lies outside the loop instead of inside. This “left-handed bowline” holds less well.
Untying
Bend the bight around the standing part backwards (“break its back”) and it opens even after heavy load. It cannot be untied under load.

Clove hitch

Used for: Quick to tie to a rail, post or ring, for example for fenders. Only reliable under steady load.

Step by step

  1. Pass the end round the rail and cross over the line.
  2. Take a second turn.
  3. Tuck the end under the second turn and pull tight.
Common mistake
With changing pull it slides on smooth stanchions. Secure it with a half hitch.
Untying
Without load, simply pull it open.

Round turn and two half hitches

Used for: For tying to a ring or bollard. Can be released under load.

Step by step

  1. Take two turns round the ring or bollard (round turn).
  2. Make a half hitch with the end around the standing part.
  3. Add a second half hitch in the same direction and pull tight.
Common mistake
The round turn is forgotten, so all the load sits on the half hitches.
Untying
Its big advantage: it can be untied under load. Open the half hitches, hold the round turn by hand and ease out under control.

Cleat hitch

Used for: Makes a line fast on a cleat, for example a mooring line or halyard.

Step by step

  1. Take one full turn round the base of the cleat.
  2. Cross over the horns in figure-of-eight turns.
  3. Finish with a locking hitch: a loop with the end tucked under, dropped over one horn.
Common mistake
The locking hitch does not lie parallel to the last diagonal, or too many locking hitches are made. One is enough.
Untying
Take off the locking hitch, unwind the figure-eights and hold the load on the round turn.

Reef knot

Used for: Joins two ends of equal thickness, for example reef ties around the boom.

Step by step

  1. Left over right and tuck.
  2. Right over left and tuck again.
  3. Both ends lie alongside their own part. Not for lines under load.
Common mistake
Instead of left-right, both overhands are tied the same way. The resulting granny knot slips. Do not use it for lines under load or of different thickness.
Untying
Pull one end back hard; the knot capsizes and slides off.

Sheet bend

Used for: Joins two lines of different thickness.

Step by step

  1. Make a bight in the thicker line.
  2. Bring the thinner line up through the bight.
  3. Round behind both parts of the bight.
  4. Tuck it under itself and pull tight.
Common mistake
The two ends lie on different sides. With slippery line use the double sheet bend.
Untying
Push the bight of the thicker line forward.

Practising is fun

  • A metre of line is enough. You can practise knots anywhere: on the sofa, on the train, while waiting.
  • Slowly and deliberately first, then faster, then with your eyes closed. On board a knot has to work at night and in a seaway too.
  • Practise the bowline around your own waist as well. In an emergency it becomes a rescue loop.

Go deeper

Knots

01

Ropes and lines

There is no "rope" on board, only lines, sheets, halyards and mooring lines. Handle them properly and you get fewer tangles in the cockpit and safer manoeuvres.

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