Page 26 - The Knot Bible

THE BASICS

Rolling hitch (page 37) Reef knot (page 156) Zeppelin bend (page 86)
A development of the clove hitch, Much-beloved of sailors and artists Anyone tempted to use a reef
the rolling hitch has an extra turn alike since antiquity, the reef knot knot as a bend, ie to join two ropes
that not only makes it that much holds a special place in the pantheon together, should learn this knot
more reliable but also gives it a of nautical knots. And, used as a instead. Not only is it elegantly
special function: to prevent a line binding knot, it has few equals. simple, it does the job thoroughly
slipping on a smooth surface. This Where it falls down is if it is used as well. Despite its many merits, the
can be a lifesaver when securing a a bend, ie to join two ropes together. zeppelin bend is relatively unknown,
line to a spar, for instance, or to Use other knots for this purpose, and even the usually infallible
another line, eg a dinghy painter such as a zeppelin bend (page 86). If Clifford Ashley seems to have
onto a mooring line. Use with similar you want to reef your sails, however, missed it in his encyclopaedic
caution to the clove hitch. there’s no better knot than a reef knot. Book of Knots.

Sheet bend (page 80) Fisherman’s knot (page 100) Cleat hitch (page 66)
It looks like nothing at all, yet the Another deliciously simple knot. It’s certainly one of the simplest
sheet bend can hold the weight of an On the rare occasions where a round knots and wouldn’t deserve to be
entire ship. Its primary purpose is turn and two half hitches is not included in this list, were it not for
joining ropes of different thicknesses, secure enough, the fisherman’s knot the frightening frequency with
although, at a pinch, it works well (alias the anchor bend) will stand which it is tied incorrectly. Tie it
enough on ropes of the same size you in good stead. And, if you’re still right, and you’ll sleep soundly at
too. If you feel nervous about not completely convinced, you can night; tie it incorrectly and you’ll
entrusting your pride and joy to always throw in a couple of half at least chafe your mooring lines or
such a fragile-looking knot, you can hitches for good measure. Its only you could end up with a boat
secure it with a seizing – although in minor drawback is that it’s not the pile-up. And it’s not just a matter of
truth it will probably be superfluous. easiest knot to untie. piling on as many turns as you can.

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