Page 57 - Knots and Splices (1st Edition)

KNOTS & SPLICES BK5.0 1/21/06 11:04 Page 56

71 MARLING HITCH 72 SELVAGEE
The Marling Hitch is used for lacing The Selvagee is a way of attaching a
a sail to a spar or dodgers (weather sling or strop to a heavier line or
cloths) to a guardwire. It consists of a spar to attach a hook, shackle or
series of Half Hitches (2). ‘To marl’ block. Wrap the strop around the line
means to secure with Marling Hitches. or spar (72a) and cross it over.
Form it by tying a Half Hitch – like Continue wrapping and crossing as
an Overhand Knot (1) but enclosing far as its length will allow, then slip
something – ie tying it around the in the hook or shackle (72b).
spar or wire (71a) and repeat (71b)
to form a chain (71c).
Take care to form a Half Hitch and
not just a loop. As shown here, pass
the working end down and forwards.
Imagine pulling the spar out. You
should be left with a series of knots
(Overhand Knots). If you’ve not formed
them correctly the loops would just
fall apart.
71a 72a

71b

72a

71c

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