The following lists but a few of the common knots relevant to nautical activities. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult the references at the end of this page for more exhaustive lists.
Better know a knot you do not need than need a knot you do not know!
Sail Canada Basic Cruising Standards Knots
- Figure 8 Knot — Ties a stopper knot at the end of a rope
- Reef or Square Knot — Bends together the two ends of a rope
- Double Sheet Bend — Ties two lines end-to-end
- Bowline — Ties a loop at the end of a rope
- Clove Hitch — Ties a line to a post or spar (perpendicular pull)
- Round Turn and Two Half Hitches — Ties a line to a ring or a spar
A few more practical knots
- Cleat Hitch — Ties a line to a dock cleat
- Trucker’s Hitch Cinches down a load
- Midshipman’s Hitch — Creates an adjustable loop at the end of a rope
- Alpine Butterfly Knot — Creates a secure loop in the middle of a rope
- Zippelin (or Rosendahl) Bend — Ties two ropes together securely
- Timber Hitch — Secures a rope around a cylindrical object (inline pull)
- Common Whipping — Prevents a rope end from unraveling
References
Additional Resources
Page maintained by D. Servranckx.