Page 101 - Mario Bigon "The Morrow Guide to Knots"

RUNNING BOWLINE

The running bowline is mainly
used for hanging objects with
ropes of different diameters.
The weight of the object
determines the tension
necessary for the knot to grip.
It was used by poachers
during the last century but
also has many other uses; for it
is strong and secure, does not
weaken the rope. slides easily,
and undoes just as simply.
The running bowline is
probably the only running
knot used by sailors. who use
it on the running rigging or to
fish out floating objects that
have fallen overboard. It was
also used during the last
century for tightening the
squaresail to the yard in high
winds.