Page 68 - The Knot Bible

HITCHES

Slipped cleat hitch

The jib sheets of most dinghies
nowadays run through jammers,
which can be released with a
single, sharp jerk. Halyards are
often cleated, however, and here
a quick, easily released knot is
advisable. You’ll be grateful for it
when the boat is capsized, and
you’re trying to get the mainsail
down in a hurry.

KNOT SCORE
Strength
1 Take a round turn around the 2 Put a bight in the working end
Security
base of the cleat, and a single and tuck it under the diagonal.
Diffi culty Tying
diagonal turn across the top of it. Tighten the knot. To release: just
Diffi culty Untying
pull the end!
Usefulness

4 Tighten the knot and fi nish off
either with a simple turn or a half
hitch around one of the horns (as
shown), depending on usage.

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