Knots: The Big Six

“A knot… is either exactly right or it is hopelessly wrong. Make only one change and either an entirely different knot is made or no knot at all may result.” – Clifford W. Ashley

As the raised sails catch the wind and the waves gently rock the ship, a calm feeling sets on deck. Trainees are beginning to feel settled in their new environment. New friendships are already starting to form in watch groups, as trainees rotate through different watch positions and engage in other aspects of shipboard living. A crew member decides that now is the time to begin an introduction on knot tying, finds a small rope and gathers a group of trainees to learn their first knots of the trip.

Once the first lesson has passed, trainee’s experience the thrill of using their spare time for mastering the 6 knots required for Junior Certification – Clove Hitch, Figure Eight, Bowline, Sheet Bend, Reef Knot, and Sail Tie. The ability to demonstrate tying these knots is one of the requirements to advance to Junior Certification, and once a knot is mastered, an assuredness bursts inside when a crew member asks for assistance in furling the main sail and tying the sail ties.

According to the Ashley Book of Knots, there are over 3,800 knots in the world, but these core knots are taught to new trainees throughout a Group or Summer Trip. Additional knots may be taught in special circumstances, or if trainees wish to advance in their SALTS sail training certification.

Go ahead, find some rope, twine, or even old shoelaces, and start practicing!

Illustrations by Farlyn Campbell