The eight to know
| Knot | Use it for | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Bowline | A fixed loop: tying a sheet to the clew of a sail, a loop to drop over a bollard or post, a loop round a person. | Won't slip or jam, and unties easily even after a heavy load. Can shake loose when unloaded and flogging. |
| Clove hitch | A quick, temporary hitch to a rail, post or ring: hanging fenders, holding a line for a moment. | Can slip or roll off if the load changes direction. Not for anything that matters for long. |
| Round turn and two half hitches | Securing a line to a ring, post or rail under load: mooring lines, a dinghy painter. | The round turn takes the strain while you tie the hitches, so you can tie and untie it under load. |
| Figure of eight | A stopper knot in the end of a sheet or halyard, so it can't run out through a block or fairlead. | Easy to untie, unlike a simple overhand knot, which can jam tight. |
| Reef knot | Tying the two ends of the same line together round something: reefing ties round a furled sail, a sail tie. | Not for joining two separate ropes, especially under load, as it can capsize and slip. |
| Sheet bend | Joining two ropes, including ropes of different thickness. | A double sheet bend, with an extra turn, is more secure, especially in slippery modern rope. |
| Rolling hitch | Gripping another rope or a spar against a pull along its length: taking the load off a jammed sheet or a riding turn on a winch. | Tie it with the turns on the side the load comes from. |
| Cleat hitch | Making a line fast to a cleat. | A turn round the base, a couple of figure-of-eight turns over the horns, then a locking turn. Too many turns only make it harder to release. |
Choosing the right knot
- Need a loop? Bowline.
- Tying to something? Round turn and two half hitches for anything under load; clove hitch only for quick, light, temporary jobs.
- Joining two ropes? Sheet bend, doubled if it matters.
- Stopping a rope running out? Figure of eight.
- Taking the load off another rope? Rolling hitch.
Knots and the exam
The Yachtmaster examiner won't usually test knots on their own, but you'll tie them throughout the exam: mooring lines, fenders, reefing and anchoring. Fumbling a bowline in front of the examiner doesn't inspire confidence. For how to use them alongside, see mooring lines and springs.