7 Essential Knots to Master

It's knot rocket science - these knots make the difference between a crew member, and a useful crew member!

 

1. Bowline

The sailor's most useful knot. Simple & strong, very stable and can be used to make a standing loop in the end of a line - good for attaching your mooring line and dinghy painter to a cleat.

Five images depicting the sequential steps of tying a yellow rope into a knot, numbered from 1 to 5. Each step progressively shows the knot becoming more complex and illustrates how to master knots

GREAT because it is strong, easy to undo after being under load, it will not jam or slip

NOT SO GREAT because it cannot be undone under load

2. Clove Hitch

Often referred to as the fender knot - one of the most important to learn to keep your skipper happy!

Four-step sequence showing the tying of a yellow rope around a blue rod, progressing from a loop to a secure master knot.

GREAT because it is quick and easy to tie

NOT SO GREAT because it can slip or unwind if not under tension

Knot knot
Who's there
Bowline
Bowline who
I'm going bowline, wanna go with me?

3. Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches

This is a very versatile knot and is best used for fastening a line around a ring, hook, rail or bollard. This is a good alternative to the clove hitch if you find they are slipping...

A series of five images, each showing the step-by-step process of tying essential knots with a yellow rope hanging from a blue rod.

GREAT because it is a self-tightening secure knot that can be undone under load

NOT SO GREAT because... nope it is just GREAT

4. Reef Knot

The reef knot joins 2 ropes together and can tidy up reefs in a sail on a boat without a lazy bag

Four illustrations showing the progressive steps to tie a rope into a loop knot, numbered from 1 to 4. Each step adds complexity to mastering this essential knot.

GREAT because it can be undone easily

NOT SO GREAT because it comes undone too easily when you don't want it to

You thought this was going to be easy? I'm a frayed knot...

5. Double Sheet Bend

Ideal for joining two ropes of different thicknesses together - useful to lengthen a mooring line

Four images showing sequential steps to master knots with blue and yellow ropes. Steps are labeled 1 through 4, progressing from a simple loop to a completed secure knot.

GREAT because even after jamming against a block, it will undo easily

NOT SO GREAT because it cannot be tied under load

6. Rolling Hitch

Used for temporarily relieving the strain on a working rope. For example, if you have a riding turn on a winch

Three images illustrating the progression of knot-tying steps: 1) initial loop and twist, 2) interwoven loops creating complexity, and 3) final tightened master knot structure.

GREAT because it is generally very secure, providing a safety back up

NOT SO GREAT because some modern ropes are too slippery to generate any friction

And last but knot least...

7. Figure of 8

Used as a stopper knot to prevent a rope running through a car or jammer - super easy

Five sequential images of a yellow measuring tape arranged in different essential knots on a white background, numbered 1 through 5.

GREAT because even after jamming against a block, it will undo easily

NOT SO GREAT because it can fall undone easily

Know all of these? Knot bad!

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