Some Useful Sailing Knots

Knots

For a Sailing Club I belong to, I created a handful of animated gifs to give some idea on how to tie knots. There are some great books on knots, such as those by Brion Toss, so I refer you to them for more info.

I put a lot of time into these knots, so I do ask that if you use the knots, you put a link to this page to give me credit. I don't mind you using this information, or even changing wording or languages, but if you do, please let me know and have a link to this page as well. If you are actually interested, here are the grotty Technical Details on how I created these knots.

Illustration Knot Description

Anchor Hitch Used to attach a line to an object. Holds well even when tension on line is changing, for instance with an anchor.

Bowline When in doubt, use a bowline.

Clove Hitch Used to attach a line to an object. Not a highly secure knot, but sufficient to attach fenders to lifelines.

Figure Eight A stopper knot. Used at the end of a line to keep it from sneaking away. Often seen at the end of jib sheets.

Rolling Hitch A hitch that can be adjusted and tied under tension.

Sheet Bend Used to attach two lines together.

Reef Knot (Square Knot) Good for reef points and shoes.

Other Sites Using These Knots

at Vereniging voor Watertoerisme "Schelde": In Dutch!

Click on anchor to return to main sailing page

Illustration	Knot	Description
	Anchor Hitch	Used to attach a line to an object. Holds well even when tension on line is changing, for instance with an anchor.
	Bowline	When in doubt, use a bowline.
	Clove Hitch	Used to attach a line to an object. Not a highly secure knot, but sufficient to attach fenders to lifelines.
	Figure Eight	A stopper knot. Used at the end of a line to keep it from sneaking away. Often seen at the end of jib sheets.
	Rolling Hitch	A hitch that can be adjusted and tied under tension.
	Sheet Bend	Used to attach two lines together.
	Reef Knot (Square Knot)	Good for reef points and shoes.