Seamen need to be able to tie knots

 

This seems an obvious statement but without the ability to handle  ropes and use knots it is just not possible to be competent as a basic seafarer. This is particulalry relevant to traditional clinker built boats where there are no hydraulics or electricty to help you. You just have ropes that need to be attached to various parts of the boat. This subject has many opinions on which knot to use in a particular circumstance.

We will use Vaaghals as an example where we use 7 basic knots that are used to operate the boat.

Bowline (Pålestikk)

This is a general purpose knot often used to form a loop or bight in the rope so it can be passed through or over mooring cleats or posts. It is also used to attach a brace (bras) to each end of a yard (rå). It does not slip under load and can be difficult to untie after use if it has had a lot of tension on it.

Reef knot (Båtsmannsknop)

As the term applies it is used to tie together the two ends of the reefing lines in the sail and also used to tie the square sail to the yard. It is best for ropes or rope  ends of the the same size as it is likely to slip if different diameter rope are used or different rope types such as natural fibre and plastic ropes.

A common mistake in tying this knot is to forget the sequence of tying the ends. Remember «Left over right and then left under right» will produce the correct knot. It generally is tight under a constant load but can unravel if the load on the knot varies.

Timber hitch (Tommerstikk)

The timber hitch is a quick and easy knot to use where a constant load is applied. On a traditional square sail rig it is often used to attach the halliard to the sails yard. Note it generally applies to small boats such as Vaaghals.

Note also that the halliard passes down behind the yard on the mast side and then is tucked back on itself at least three times. The tucks should therefore be facing away from the mast.The number of tucks really depends on the diameter of the yard. The more tucks the better. The knot is easily undone when the load is taken off  the rope.

Figure-eight knot (Stoppeknute)

The figure of eight knot is self evident in its makeup and is quickly tied. Its main use is as a «stopper knot» so that the end of a rope cannot run out of a block or attachment hole. Most often used for the sheets controlling the sail but generally where you do not want to lose  the end of a rope. As it is a jamming knot it can be difficult to untie.

Rolling hitch (Vantstikk)

This knot is a «jamming» knot in that it tightens and holds fast under load. It is often used to take the tension off a rope in order to undo it. The important element is that the second turn must cross the first one before belaying with a half hitch. This creates a jamming kink in the rope the knot is attached to. It is also used in traditional wooden boats to tighten and hold the shrouds in place by applying the end of the shroud back on itself in cases where there are no deadeyes. It works best with natural fibre ropes and is known to slip with plastic ropes.

 

 

 

 

Round turn and two half hitches (Dobbelt halvstikk om egen part)

As the name implies the knot is applied to a spar or object by first passing the rope around the spar and then adding two half hitches to the standing part. A variation of this knot passes the rope behind the standing part before completing the turn and half hitches(bøyestikk). A very secure knot of general use.

 

 

 

 

Clove hitch (Dobbelt halvstikk)

Another very usefull general knot for tying off the end of a rope. Used for fenders, mooring etc. With variable load on the rope it can unloosen. A variation of the knot has the final half hitch «slipped» with a loop so it can easily be undone.