Page 16 - Frank Rosenow "Seagoing Knots"

sonably tight, symmetrical knot in which the parts are snugly balanced
against one another. For instance, a bowline should never be relied upon
until fully drawn up and coaxed into balance.
To be able to retain these knots, it helps greatly to have a sweet and pli¬
able line to practice with. I am very fond of a cotton braid which I first
came across in Turkish ports but have since seen in Marseilles (sold by the
ship chandler in the northeast comer of the old harbor). It is small in
dimension—the drawing shows it nearly full size—and lacks a core or has a
very soft, straight one. It is handy and ties very well and I have a hunch it is

the same “cotton banding” which Ashley (of Ashley’s Book of Knots, 1944,
New York) recommends: “If fifty cents is mailed to Warren Rope, Box 76,
Westport Point, Massachusetts, a ball of cotton banding will be mailed to
the reader.” Unfortunately, this arrangement has long lapsed.
Pick out a knot or two as the spirit moves you and practice those on and
off for a few days for every conceivable purpose. That way, the knot will
become a friend, loyally waiting to be called upon in port or at sea. The
choice of knots for this book has been made with yachting-gauge cordage
in mind, ranging from cord to line 20mm in diameter. Had it been written
for tugboat hands, a different set of knots would have had to be
considered.
Fair winds!

71WSH Co^D

SEAGOING KNOTS