Seamanship: Warps, halyards and sheets

The Classic Bowline

The most universal on water knot. It has many uses including tying sheets, tying up to a cleat and much more.

Advantages:
When used for tying up to a shore cleat it cannot be easily undone under pressure.
Dose not easily shake out when used for tying sheets to the clue of the jib or genoa.

Disadvantages:
Not easily undone under pressure so should not be used if this requirement is a possibility.

Clove Hitch

Used for tying fenders to the guard rails and also securing to a bollard.

Advantages:
Easy to adjust when used for hanging fenders although an extra half hitch for security is good practice.
Very quick way of tying off to a bollard when conditions require it.

Disadvantages:
Not easily undone under pressure.

Rolling Hitch

Ideal for tying to a post or bollard.

Advantages:
The pull can be in line with the post or rope and not slip. Good for releasing lines under tension.

If a line cannot be undone because it is under tension a rolling hitch can be put round the line and the standing part taken to a winch to release the tension on the line. Click to hide.

Useful for snubbing the anchor.

Disadvantages:
Difficult to undo under tension.

Reef Knot

Used for tying two lines together. Used for sail ties and tying down the bunt.

Advantages:
Easy to adjust, tension and simple to use.

Disadvantages:
Can slip.

Sheet Bend

Used for tying two lines of different thickness together.

Advantages:
Easy to adjust and simple to use.

Disadvantages:
Can slip or shake out.

Double Sheet Bend

Used for tying two lines of different thickness together.

Advantages:
Easy to adjust and simple to use.

Disadvantages:
Can shake out.

Round turn and two half hitches

Used for tying to bollards or towing posts.

Advantages:
Easy to tie quickly and can be undone under pressure.

Disadvantages:
Can be undone under pressure. possibly by vandals. if used to moor a vessel to an open quay.