Page 51 - Peter Owen - Knots

• gD REEF KNOT to join the two ends of a rope when reefing a

sail.
Both short ends of the knot are on the same
Also known as: SQUARE KNOT
side- if they are not, it is a thief knot-and the
This is an ancient knot, which was known knot is flat- if it is not, it is a granny knot. The
during the Late Stone Age. The Ancient Greeks fecf knot is more secure than both the thief knot
knew it as the Hercules knot, and it was also and the granny knot, but it should be used only
tied in Ancient Rome. It is often the only knot - as a temporary measure and with lines of the
apart from the granny knot - Ihat many people same diameter that will not be subject to strain.
know, and when the ends are only partly If il has to be used with lines that will bear
drawn through the knot to leave loops and to considerable weight, stopper knots should be
form a double reef bow, it is frequently used to tied in the short ends.
tie shoe laces. Its traditional and proper use is

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CAPSIZED REEF KNOT

Also known as; LARK'S HEAD KNOT, CAPSIZED
SQUARE KNOT
The reef of a sail is that part which is rolled and
tied up by the reef points to reduce the area
caught by the wind, and the ease with which a
reef knot can be slipped apart made it perfect
for reefing sails. When one end of a reef knot is
pulled sharply or is subjected 10 strain, the knot
will untie and become unstable. Capsized reef
knots have caused accidents and should be
used with caution.
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