One of the most basic and confusing aspects of sailing is knots. But once learned
there is nothing more satisfying than being able to tie ropes and secure
equipment in a seaman like manner. Having a head start on tying these knots
can only help. So please enjoy. Feel free to copy the animations if you
wish but as always, please do not use them
commercially without permission.
There are some basic definitions which in the first instance help to clear up
which knots are used for what. The word "knot" itself is commonly used as a broad
description of knots, bends and hitches and these can be more accurately defined.
A 'knot' is used to tie a rope to itself.
A 'bend' is used to tie two ropes together.
A 'hitch' is used to tie a rope to an object.
The different parts of the rope used to tie the knot, have different names
applied to them, depending upon the level of involvement in the actual tying.
Please see the diagram below.
The Working End (or Running end) of the rope is the part actually used to
tie the knot.
The Standing Part is the part of the rope which is not used in the tying of the knot.
The Standing End is the short region and the end of the Standing Part.
The Bight is the region that runs all the way from the Standing End to the
Working / Running End. But please note that the term Bight is also used to
define a loop made in the rope without involvement of the running end.
An example exists in the bowline knot which has a bight loop as it's
main feature while the Working end is literally tied up elsewhere.
With that in mind, these are 9 knots which are commonly used
by trainees on STA ships. The instructions found here
for tying these knots are one set of the multitude that
exist for these knots.
