Let's get 'Knotty' while Sailing...!

In striving to get the best knowledge across to our readers about all things sailing, with this post we would like to go one step ahead into the details of something small but very essential.

KNOTS !

Let's not confuse it with the similar term used to refer to a boat's speed...but we are talking about the manners in which ropes are tied on boats.


A knot is a method for fastening or securing linear material such as rope by tying or interweaving.

It wouldn't be advisable to tie a common knot for the ropes that are attached to the sails, since these would at times need to be freed immediately in order to change the position of the sails. Hence, based on similar reasons, there are different styles of knotting based on the different reasons for tying the knots.

Below are images of some typically used sailing knots, that are not only important while being on the sailboat but also for purposes while mooring (parking your boat) and maintenance. A following brief or one-liner explains their purpose.

'ANCHOR-HITCH' KNOT

Used to attach a line to an object. Holds well even when tension on line is changing, for instance with an anchor.



'BOW-LINE' KNOT

When in doubt, use a bowline.



'CLOVE HITCH' KNOT

Used to attach a line to an object. Not a highly secure knot, but sufficient to attach fenders to lifelines.



'FIGURE 8' KNOT

A stopper knot. Used at the end of a line to keep it from sneaking away. Often seen at the end of jib sheets.



'REEF' KNOT

A hitch that can be adjusted and tied under tension.



'ROLLING-HITCH' KNOT

Used to attach two lines together.



'SHEET BEND' KNOT

Good for reef points and shores.



So make sure that you know the right way of getting 'knotty' the next time you set sail...