Page 38 - Knots and Splices (1st Edition)

KNOTS & SPLICES BK5.0 1/21/06 11:03 Page 37

5 BELAYING OR CLEATING

49 BELAYING OR CLEATING 49a
The term ‘belaying’ or ‘cleating’ means making
a line fast by winding it in figure of eight patterns
around the horns of a cleat. In days past the cleat
might have been a belaying pin or a pair of bitts,
but these are rare sights on a modern boat.
A cleat should, correctly, be angled to provide
a fair lead to the incoming line, which should be
led in to the back of the cleat (49a). Unfortunately
most boats these days have their cleats set in line
not at an angle. It may well be argued that a full
round turn should be taken initially, rather than the
49b
turn shown here, but rope size and the length of
the horns on the cleat may preclude it. In either
case, now begin to follow a figure of eight pattern
round the horns (49b and 49c). Two or three
patterns should be sufficient for a good grip.
Some people like to put on a locking turn, but it
is unnecessary if the horns are long enough to
prevent the figures of eight falling off. Where there
is any concern, form the locking turn in the same
way as the figures of eight (49d) and not against
the pattern as in 49e.
49c 49d 49e

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