Page 56 - Knots and Splices (1st Edition)

KNOTS & SPLICES BK5.0 1/21/06 11:04 Page 55

69a 69b

69c 70

69 KLEMHEIST KNOT 70 SPANISH WINDLASS
The Klemheist Knot is very similar The Spanish Windlass has had many
to the Prusik Knot (68). It is used uses over the centuries. In the days
to attach a sling to a static line and of square riggers it would have been
will jam when loaded at an acute used to heave heavy hawsers together
angle. to apply a seizing, but with modern
Wrap the sling around the static lightweight lines this use has disap-
line three or four times (69a), then peared. Instead it can now be very
bring the loops together and pass helpful in clearing a riding turn from
one through the other (69b). Now a sheet winch or hauling in an anchor
settle the knot down, move to the rode against a strong wind where it
required position and apply load performs like a temporary windlass.
(69c), ensuring that it is directed to To haul on a line, whether an
pull against the short loop. anchor rode or to relieve a sheet,
In this sense the Klemheist Knot turn the hauling rope around a sturdy
differs from the Prusik Knot, because bar supported securely at both ends.
it can only be loaded successfully Insert a strong bar as in 70 and use
in one direction, whereas the Prusik that as a lever to roll around the bar.
will lock when loaded in either Depending on the length of the bar,
direction. a lot of power can be exerted.

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