Page 99 - The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice

THE END OF YOUR ROPE: the former, commence making a Figure-Eight Knot,
STOPPER KNOTS but make an extra turn around the standing part
before tucking the end through the bight. For the
Some years ago I was sitting next to the helm in a latter, make a Slipknot as shown and tuck the end
gaff sloop as we ran before a stiff breeze. The sails
were set wing-and-wing, and we were all a little too
caught up in the beauty of a blustery Puget Sound Figure 3-39. Stevedore’s Knot. Start as with the Fig-
day. With the boom way out there wasn’t enough of ure-Eight Knot, but make an extra round turn before
the mainsheet to cleat, and the end dangled from the passing the end.
trimmer’s hand. Idly, I reached over and put a Fig-
ure-Eight Knot in the end of the line, seconds before
our inattention resulted in a vicious jibe. The boom
sped across, carrying away a running backstay.
It probably would have removed the shrouds too,
and maybe the mast, if it hadn’t been for that knot
jamming in the sheet block. It’s the standing part
of the line that gets the attention—all that hauling
and coiling—but from that day forward I’ve had a
particular interest in how lines end.

Basic Bulk
The Figure-Eight Knot is the basic stopper knot,
so-called from its function. It is preferred to the sim-
pler Overhand Knot because it is bulkier and a little
less prone to jam (Figure 3-38). Figure 3-40. Oysterman’s Stopper. Make a Slipknot
When a still bulkier knot is required, as when so that the standing part slides, then pass the end in
the block is oversized, tie a Stevedore’s Knot or an front of the standing part and up through the loop
Oysterman’s Stopper (Figures 3-39 and 3-40). For
from behind. Tighten by drawing up the Slipknot,
then pulling on the end.
Figure 3-38. Figure-Eight Knot.

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