Page 47 - Knots and Splices (1st Edition)

KNOTS & SPLICES BK5.0 1/21/06 11:04 Page 46

9 TURK’S HEAD

60a 60b

60c 60d

60 TURK’S HEAD
The Turk’s Head is just one of many marking the centred position on a
decorative knots that were once wheel.
widely used by seamen who ‘made First form a Clove Hitch (41)
tiddly’ their ships and boats during loosely about the tiller or wheel (60a
the long watches of a deep sea and 60b). Turn the hitch over and
voyage. They are a study in them- cross the two parts over (60c). If the
selves and there are many larger Clove Hitch was formed in the same
books that delve far deeper into the direction as shown here, then the
subject than is possible in a pocket right-hand part should be crossed
book like this. However, any decora- over the left. Next tuck the working
tion makes a boat look loved and end inwards under the recently
cared for, and the Turk’s Head is crossed right-hand part (60d). Pass
ideal for smartening up a boat while the working end over and inwards
also serving a practical purpose, such under the next part (60e). Pass it
as giving extra grip on a tiller or over one more time and inwards

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