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✨mastery of essential marine knots✨

Writer's picture: Sébastien AbelSébastien Abel

The success of a maneuver, such as docking a boat, depends largely on mastering essential marine knots. These rope techniques are essential to secure equipment and guarantee worry-free navigation. Every good captain must know the essential knots to navigate efficiently. Discover in this article the 5 essential nautical knots to master!


Definition Current & dormant

The current is the end of a piece which is used to weave the knot. This end is to be opposed to the frame which is fixed and generally linked to a part of the rigging. The frame is the end of an end which is supposed to be fixed. It may be linked to a part of the rigging.


The cleat knot


Le nœud de taquet

Simple, quick and effective, the cleat knot is an essential technique for securing a rope on a cleat, especially when mooring your boat. Easy to undo, simply pull on the end of the rope to release it in an instant.

To make it:

  1. Start by making a complete turn around the cleat.

  2. Next, make a figure 8 crossover.

  3. Finish with a half hitch, making sure to direct the current in the direction of the crossing. With this knot, mooring becomes child's play, without compromising on safety.


The dead turn knot and two half hitches


Le-nœud-tour-mort-et-deux-demi-clés

An essential classic, this knot is one of the essential bases to master in navigation. Perfect for securing a fender or for a wedding, it is both simple to make and versatile. If you are joining a crew, this will be one of the first knots to learn. Additional advantage: it can be performed even when the rope is under tension. To make it:

  1. Make a complete dead turn around the attachment point.

  2. Make a first half hitch.

  3. Finish with a second half hitch identical to the first.

  4. A reliable and easy knot, ideal for sailing with complete peace of mind.


The capstan knot


Le-nœud-de-cabestan

Practical and quick, the capstan knot is ideal for attaching a rope to an attachment point without creating a loop. It is often used to moor a boat to a fixed bar. However, to ensure a better hold, it is advisable to reinforce the knot with a half hitch.

To make it:

  1. Perform a dead turn around the attachment point.

  2. Take the current and cross it over the frame.

  3. Pass the current under it to form an even key.

A simple, reliable and essential node for any browser!


The bowline knot



Le-nœud-de-chaise

Also known as the bowline knot, the bowline knot is renowned for its versatility and unfailing strength. It has the advantage of being both simple to make and easy to undo, even after being subjected to strong tension.

To make it:

  1. Form a loop with the current, which will serve as a “sink”.

  2. Pass current through the well to create a second loop.

  3. Wrap the current around the frame, then pass it back through the first loop. For an impeccable result, hold the frame with one hand and the current with the other. Tighten everything, and voila, your knot is ready!


The knot of eight



Le-nœud-de-huit

Essential for any beginner or experienced sailor, the figure eight knot is one of the first to master in sailing. Used at the end of a rope or halyard, it effectively prevents the pulleys from coming out. True to its name, it is easily identifiable by its figure 8 shape. Appreciated for its great resistance to tension, it also has the advantage of being easy to undo in just a few steps. The figure eight knot is primarily used to secure and terminate a line in a reliable and elegant manner.


Ab's Boats Plaisance offers you first navigation support, find out 👇




That's it, you're ready to take action! All you have to do is perfect your technique while enjoying your boat rental with Ab's Boats Plaisance.

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