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Knots: Unlocking the Art of Tying with Books & Apps!

Ever struggled with a stubborn knot on the pitching deck of a boat? Trust us, the old saying 'If you can't tie knots, do lots" doesn't hold up when your fingers are freezing and the sea's tossing you around!


1. Knot Know-how by Steve Judkins and Tim Davison: This gem is a top-seller on Amazon, and for good reason! It's a pocket-friendly guide packed with colourful illustrations, covering knots, splices, and whippings. Organised by function, so whether you need a loop or a bend, you're covered. Plus, it includes the knots required for RYA courses!


2. RYA’s Pocket Guide to Boating Knots: Small, spiral-bound, and laminated—perfect for on-the-water emergencies! It's concise, practical, and won't disintegrate in a splash.


3. Knots & Splices by Steve Judkins and Tim Davison: Another masterpiece from these authors, this book is like a sailor's secret weapon. Beautifully illustrated with step-by-step guides, it's a steal at £3.99! From the basics to choosing the right rope, it's got you covered.


4. The Ashley Book of Knots: Calling all knot enthusiasts! This beast of a book is the holy grail of knot-ology. With over 7000 illustrations and 3854 entries, it's an encyclopaedia of knot wizardry. A must-have for serious knot aficionados!


5. The Ultimate Book of Everyday Knots by Geoffrey Budworth: For those who want knots or every occasion, this one's for you! With over eighty knots demystified in full-colour glory, you'll be a knot master in no time. Perfect for fishing, climbing, sailing, and everyday life!


And hey, let's not forget about apps! Whether you're a landlubber or a seasoned sailor,

there's an app for everyone eager to learn the ropes—literally! So, grab a book, download an app, and let's get knotting!


So, why bother learning knots?

Well, mastering knots is like having a superpower in the world of boating, fishing, climbing, and more. They're essential skills that can save lives, secure cargo, and keep adventures safe and fun.

rope on the deck of a boat

Sure, tying knots might seem daunting at first, but with practice, they become second

nature. So, grab your favourite knot guide, download a handy app, and start practicing!

Before you know it, you'll be whipping up knots like a seasoned sailor, and you'll wonder

how you ever got by without them. Happy knotting!


We thought you may like to know, what knots are taught on the RYA Competent Crew

course?


In the RYA Competent Crew course, students learn eight essential knots: the bowline, clove hitch, round turn and two half hitches, reef knot, rolling hitch, figure of eight, sheet bend, and double sheet bend. But don't worry, you won't be docked points if you don't nail them all right away. Practice makes perfect! Once you've mastered these knots, you'll bid farewell to the dreaded 'granny knot' and start using the right knots everywhere—from household chores to gardening, maybe even when leashing the dog!


Bowline

The bowline is used for making a fixed loop at the end of a line. It is used for tying sheets

(ropes) to the clews of sails and also used for mooring lines.


Clove Hitch

The clove hitch is typically used for tying fenders to the guard wire.


Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

The round turn and two half hitch is used for tying mooring lines to rings, on a pile for

example, you would also use it for tying a dinghy ashore.  The great advantage of this knot is it can be released under tension, unlike a bowline.


Variation of sailing knots

Reef Knot

The reef knot is used for tying the ends of two lines of the same diameter together. It can be used for tying up the foot of the sail when reefs have been put in, hence its name or for extending a length of rope.  You should not use this for tying two different size lines

together.


Rolling Hitch

The rolling hitch is used to grip onto another line. One of its best uses is for relieving tension in sheet lines that have a riding turn on the winch. It could also be used to get an object out of the water ie a spar or mast.


Figure of Eight

The figure of eight is used as a stopper knot on the end of a line. Used for example on

halyards, so that the line does not disappear up inside the mast by accident. It can also be used as a temporary measure to prevent a rope fraying.


Sheet Bend

The sheet bend and double sheet bends are used for joining two lines (ropes) of unequal

diameter to make a longer one. Very handy when you are trying to get a shore line across a wide raft of boats.  A double sheet bend is no stronger but it is more secure than a single sheet bend.


To understand how to tie these knots, and many more, consider buying a book on knots

published by the RYA. Alternatively, YouTube is great for learning your knots, but make sure it is a credible source!

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