What sailing knot could you use to tie off a main or headsail halyard, hoist yourself safe and sound aloft, tie off the foot of a reefed sail or hang fenders, hammocks, or bags so that they stay in place? Not many marine knots are as compact and trustworthy as this one. Read on to discover one of those little-known gems of the sailing world you will want to know.
Why Know This Ancient Sailing Knot?
I believe today's sailor can often look to the past for reminders of those "works every time" tips and techniques. And sailing knots that you can rely on--even with your life in the balance--are the ones I like to learn.
The little-known buntline hitch was used by square rigger crews to tie off the foot of the sail when they furled. And it held through thick 'n thin. Shake, rattle, or roll, and the buntline will hold like a stubborn barnacle to your boat bottom.
So why would the modern-day sailor want to know this super knot from the past? Check out these seven super uses of the buntline hitch to decide if this might be right for you...
- Secure the foot (bunt) of a reefed sail.
- Make a compact knot in the end of any line.
- Hold together without untying when shocked or flogged.
- Tie a halyard to a shackle for peace-of-mind hoisting.
- Form a safe knot to go aloft in a bosun's chair.
- Hang fenders, bags, or other sailing gear.
- Add an easy-to-remember knot to your sailing skills.
Three Steps to Tie the Buntline Hitch
Grab a piece of practice line about two to three feet long. Practice along with the steps below and the illustration. In no time, you will master this super sailing knot and be ready to use it wherever in the world you choose to sail.
1. Pass the bitter end through the shackle, ring or fitting. Loop the bitter end over the standing part and then behind the standing part as shown (illustration 1). Note that you begin the Buntline Hitch just like a clove hitch. Go to step 2.
2. Thread the bitter end behind the standing part and tuck it beneath itself as shown (illustration 2). Note that this completes a virtual "inside clove hitch". Go to step 3.
3. Pull on the bitter end to compact the knot. Slide it along the standing part and snug it up against the fitting (illustration 3). Take an extra second or two to remove all excess slack from the knot to make it safe, secure, and compact.
John Vigor Takes a Humorous Look at "Boat Love"
Today, we feature John Vigor, sailor and veteran author of 12 boating books and scores of articles in boating magazines on three continents. John has written for Cruising World, Sail, and Good Old Boat. His career as a newspaperman spanned nearly 40 years in America, England, and South Africa. Visit John's highly entertaining blog at JohnVigor.comARE YOU IN LOVE with your boat? I ask not out of any mawkish desire to pry into your private affairs, but for a very practical reason. If you are in love with your boat, you need to snap out of it. You need to fall out of love with your boat. At least until the economy improves.
Of course, it's not always easy to tell if you love your boat. There are varying degrees of love. You can be ecstatically in love with a new prom dress, or staidly and comfortably in love with an old pair of hiking socks. There are different phases of love, from hot boil to low simmer. Love is temporary insanity.
Love is hormones out of control. But above all, love is giving. Giving everything you can. In normal human beings, that includes giving your body. In the case of boat owners, it means new sails, new winches, new electronics, a new engine, new everything you can imagine to make your boat happy and love you back. Love is Nature's way of separating a yachtsman from his money.
Whoa! In these hard economic times, love is madness. You have to stop maxing out your cards with gifts for your boat. You must pull yourself toward yourself and become a calm, rational human being again, otherwise you'll end up in debtor's prison where no boats are allowed.
Easy for me to say? Well, hold on, I can help you here. I can tell you how to fall out of love with your boat until the economy improves. It's all to do with remembering.
--Remember the time she wouldn't tack, got into stays and embarrassed you in front of the yacht club that wouldn't accept you as a member?
--Remember when the engine quit just as you were about to pick up the mooring buoy and the cover was still on the mainsail and you hit three boats sideways on before you could get the anchor overboard?
--Remember when you got seasick and your mother-in-law didn't? Remember how she laughed?
--Remember when you came last in the Wednesday evening race because your boat ran into a big submerged plastic bag and deliberately wrapped it around the keel?
--Remember when the oil pipe split and spewed hot oil all over the engine compartment?
--Remember when the alcohol stove flared up, removed your eyebrows, and burned the galley curtains?
--Remember when your cousin with diarrhea blocked the head with wodges of toilet paper?
Think on these things. Remember the bad times. Ask yourself why you're in love. Ask yourself if you really should be. And stop buying presents. Enough already. It's not a comfortable old hiking sock. It's only a boat!
Video of the Week ~ How to Pivot Your Boat Around a Pier
Imagine that you are tied up on the corner of a pier and need to back around to face the wind or current. What easy boat docking technique will make this smooth as silk? Learn this unique, little-known secret tip used by the pros. Click on the button to the left to watch this sailing skills video.
//www.skippertips.com/members/1556.cfm
Deal of the Week ~ Save Up to 45% at Mauri Pro Sailing!
Less than a week left to take advantage of this super deal from Mauri Pro Sailing. Save up to 45% on men's and women's Harken softshell sailing jackets for mid-layer warmth in sailing or outdoor sports. See more deal details below.Jump on this super deal from Mauri Pro Sailing for a limited time. Buy top quality Harken Softshell sailing jackets for men and women--with up to 45% off!
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Mauri Pro Sailing Deal and Discount Details
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Contact the vendor for price or discount changes prior to making a purchase decision.
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//www.skippertips.com/members/1616.cfm Could This Be Sailing's Best Navigation Tool?
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//www.skippertips.com/members/1363.cfm
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