Page 18 - Knots and Splices (1st Edition)

KNOTS & SPLICES BK5.0 1/21/06 11:03 Page 17

3LOOPS

20a 20b 20c
C
A
B

20 BOWLINE
The Bowline (rhymes with ‘stolen’) right hand, and twisting with the
is the most useful way to form a fingers going downwards and up
fixed loop in the end of a rope or through the large loop. It’s a knack,
line. It is simple, quickly tied, once learned, that allows the bow-
strong and secure, and rarely slips line to be tied with one hand.
or jams, even under heavy loading. 20c shows a Left-Handed or
The knot is formed (20a) by making German Bowline with the end on
a small, anti-clockwise loop (B), the outside of the main loop. This
then passing the working end (A) variant is no stronger than the
up through it and continuing in an normal Bowline, but can, in some
anti-clockwise direction behind the circumstances, be a little more
standing part (C) and back down secure. It is most likely to be used
through the small loop (B) so that when attaching sheets to the clew
the end lies parallel to the side of of a headsail. The argument in its
the main loop (20b). favour is that when the sail flogs,
Many people prefer to form the the end of the sheet is less likely
small initial loop with the working to be pushed back making the knot
end poking up through it in one come undone. However, if this is a
step.They do this by placing the end concern, a normal Bowline can be
across on top of the standing part, used with the end dogged to the side
holding the two together with their of the loop with a Half Hitch.

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