The Bowline

The most important knot for any sailor to learn is the bowline. It is a strong knot and will not slip yet it is easy to break (untie) even after it has been under great strain. It is used in many aspects of sailing but it is most associated with tying sheets onto sails.

The bowline is tied by forming a loop in the line then passing the loose end down through the loop, behind the original line, then back up through the loop. It can best be remembered by the saying: The rabbit (end of the line) goes up through the hole, behind the tree and down through the hole".

Figure-of-Eight Knot

This is not so much of a knot as it is a "stopper". It is tied at the end of sheets, halyards and control lines so that they do not run out through leads or go up masts.

It is tied at the end of the line by forming a loop, passing the end behind the original piece and back up through the loop.

Reef Knot

The reef knot is excellent for joining two lines of equal thickness. It gets its name from the reefing lines on a sail that are usually tied together, under the boom or spar to shorten sail. There are a number of other uses including the connecting of two lines to make a longer line.

To tie the reef knot you place the left piece over the right piece and turn it under, then place the right piece over the left piece and turn it under.

Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

The Round Turn and Two Half Hitches is a very secure knot and is used by sailors to moor a boat to the dock. It can either be tied around a post or a cleat.

To tie the knot on a post take two full turns around the post then loop the line back over the original line and then through the loop, then back over the line again and through the second loop. Pull tight.

On a cleat it is best to take a full turn around the base of the cleat then do a figure eight over the cleat. Finish by turningthe line over on itself and placing a hitch on the horn of the cleat. Repeat at the other end.

[See a Flash Animation Simulating the Knot]