One of the most characteristic aspects when it comes to learning things about sailing is the sailor knots. Knowing more about these knots is one of the keys for those who are beginning to enjoy sailing and, especially, sailing trips.
In this article we are going to learn much more about the sailor’s knot, from the most well-known, to how to make one of these. If you want to learn more about these knots, we recommend you read on.
What are sailor knots?
Seaworthy knots are knots that are characterized by two fundamental reasons, reliability and ease. These knots are like any other type of knot, i.e. they have a reliable bond that cannot loosen on its own, but can be easily untied when needed.
For this to happen, they must be carried out in a certain way and, of course, we can find several different types. Knowing how to make a sailor’s knot well is very important in sailing, as it is one of the most repeated tasks that must be carried out safely.
Basically, a sailor’s knot must fulfill three essential functions. The knot must be suitable for every situation and manoeuvre, it must be strong and it must also be able to be easily untied when necessary.
Basic Sailor Knots
Let’s look at some of the most basic sailor knots. You can learn how to tie these knots with ease and in the event that one day you decide to sail on your own, they will probably be of great help to you.
- Knot of Eight: This figure-eight knot is one of the quintessential seafaring knots. Its characteristic name is due to the shape that resembles the knot. The eight knot is one of the first knots taught in any sailing school.
- Plain knot: Also known as a terry knot, the flat knot is one of the most commonly used in dinghy sailing. The flat knot allows two ropes of the same diameter to be joined and is very easy to make.
- Cleat knot: This knot is perfect for securely attaching a rope to a cleat. This is one of the most commonly used knots for mooring the boat in the port.
Pretty Sailor Knots
Some sailor knots are so beautiful that it is possible to find them on all kinds of ropes as decoration. Knotting these knots is also very simple and some of them are very eye-catching. Let’s look at some of the most beautiful ones you can make.
- Crossbow: In addition to being beautiful, it is one of the most popular knots due to the fact that it is often used to attach the boat’s fenders to the deck handrails. Although it is a very quick and easy knot to make, it is strong enough to hold firm whenever there is tension on the knot.
- Scoop Turn: As its name suggests, this knot is held for the mooring of the grapnel. It is also possible to tie this knot in any other type of rope to connect a rope to any pole and it is also widely used in fishing to tie hooks.
- Sheet Turn: This knot is a little more complicated to make and is used to tie thick ropes or similar structures. It is a very nice knot, but it is very important that it is always under tension so that it does not come loose easily.
Advanced Sailor Knots
Let’s now look at some of the more advanced seafaring knots. These knots are somewhat more complicated to make and it is very important that they are well made so that, among other reasons, they do not come loose.
- Daisy knot: This knot is used to decrease the length of a rope. The daisy knot is specially designed so as not to damage the rope and, despite the fact that it is subjected to great pressure and is always firm, it can be easily undone.
- Carrick knot: This knot is specially designed for those heavy ropes that are too stiff to form more common types of knots. If there’s one thing that distinguishes the carrick knot, it’s because it’s very secure and because it can withstand very extreme loads particularly well.
- Fisherman’s Strip: This knot is usually used in fishing and is formed with a fixed loop and fishing lines. The fisherman’s knot is almost always made at the end of a rope, forming a rough, but safe knot. The difficulty with the fisherman’s knot is that, unlike other sailor knots, this one is not so easy to undo.
How to Tie a Sailor Knot
The way to tie a sailor knot varies depending on the knot itself. Although all sailor’s knots share some common characteristics, that is, they must be strong and undo easily when required, each one has a simple technique.
From here we encourage you to start trying the simplest knots, for example, the eight knot. In the case of the eight knot, you will have to form a breast with the rope passing the shank under the surface. Once that’s done, turn the rope a whole turn and pass the shank through the loop that has formed. Finish by tightening the knot by pulling each of the ends.
You can tie any rope you have at home to practice each maneuver. With a little practice, you’ll be able to tie any knot in a matter of seconds.
