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Knots Guide - Sailing

sailing_knots

Essential Sailing Knots Guide

1. Bowline – "The King of Knots"

  • Use: Creates a fixed loop that won’t slip, great for securing a line to a ring, post, or sail.

  • Why it's great: Strong, reliable, easy to untie after load.

  • Tip: "The rabbit comes out of the hole, around the tree, and back into the hole."

2. Clove Hitch

  • Use: Quick tie-off to a post or rail (e.g. fenders, temporary dock lines).

  • Why it's great: Fast and adjustable.

  • Downside: Can slip under load or if not under tension.

3. Figure Eight Knot

  • Use: Stopper knot at the end of a line to prevent it from running through pulleys or blocks.

  • Why it's great: Simple and prevents line loss.

4. Cleat Hitch

  • Use: Securing a line to a cleat (e.g. at the dock).

  • Why it's great: Holds firmly and easy to untie under tension.

  • How: Wrap once around the base, then make a couple of figure-8 loops with a locking hitch at the end.

5. Round Turn & Two Half Hitches

  • Use: Securing a line to a post or ring where strength is needed.

  • Why it's great: Won’t jam, holds strong under load.

6. Sheet Bend

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  • Use: Joining two ropes of unequal size.

  • Why it's great: More secure than a square knot, especially with differing rope diameters.

7. Reef Knot (Square Knot)

  • Use: Tying two similar ropes together (e.g. reefing sails).

  • Caution: Not reliable under heavy strain or with different-sized lines.

Bonus:

  • Rolling Hitch: Useful for attaching a line to a tensioned line (e.g. towing or tension release).