Paola M 
Every sailor or sailing adventurer must know the brief history and the essentials of sailing knots. Also, nautical history is inconceivable without knots. Today, I will give you some brief information about sailing knots and introduce the 3 most important sailing knots that you need to know while enjoying your sailing adventure.
Tie Your Knots as Hard as Friendship
It’s summertime, let’s acknowledge a few sailing tips, never know if you might end up on a sailing trip around the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, the Pacific, or the Atlantic… I am heading back sailing, it has been a while since I was 14! There is no sailing without knots but plenty of rope – line, and knots while sailing. Each knot has its specific purpose and name. They may seem simple at first glance… Hence the interlacement of one or more ropes takes ability.
Why are Lines & Sailing Knots Important when Sailing
Marine rope, called line has an infinity of uses whether you secure your boat, you control the sails, when you lift or drop the anchor, you can secure loads, you may bind objects together, and even more.
You can acknowledge the ingenuity in devising various kinds of knots for different purposes. There is a certain beauty in knots, and as soon as you start acknowledging the possibilities, it is almost endless. There are more than 4000 different knots. “Wow! I better get started to learn of these knots” ? Knot making knowledge is essential thus as to become an aware sailor.
A Little History About Sailing Knots & Nautical Line
Let’s rewind and travel backwards… From 4000 BC – 3500 BC, the Egyptians civilizations started to develop tools to make the first ropes made out of water reed fibers. Prior, fossilized ropes fragments were found in 15000 BC during the Stone Age in the Caves of Lascaux, France. From the Romans to the Arabs civilizations, rope evolution traveled from one Continent to another. Evolving in-techniques through different cultures.
In 1800, sailors from America and Britain practiced knots work while at sea, then traded them at ports around the different Continents. Knots then, became really sophisticated when sailors used the ropes, or rigging, which controlled the sails of the sailing vessels.
The Most Important Sailing Knots
There are three most important sailing knots to know when starting sailing.
1. The Bowline
Has been used for more than 500 years by sailors. We can call it, the King of knots, as it has endless possibilities from tying to a post, to fixed objects, to make the line fast, to tie two lines together. Or even to tie your hammock!
2. The Clove Hitch
A quick knot to tie and used to hang the fenders over the sides as you come into the port.
3. Cleat Hitch
Used for one purpose at all times on sailboats. Whether you are docking, rigging, or towing a dinghy. Acknowledge this one, it will certainly make you a handy sailor.
How Were The First Ropes Made?
Prior to the synthetic line was made, lines were made out of natural fibers. The first rope was made from water reeds fiber. Then from Papyrus fiber plants, date palm fibers, grass, flax, leather, or animal hair. Artisans spun the yarns together on a handheld spindle. During Medieval times rope making was common. It was made on a long ropewalk so the Artisans could stretch out the yarns and make longer ropes. Now most marine ropes, lines are made of synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and polypropylene for both land and underwater purposes.
Sustainable Rope vs. Polyester Rope
As rope making traveled through different cultures and Continents, the application of the natural fibers has been overtaken by synthetic rope.
Obviously, natural fibers such as Manila hemp, linen, cotton, hibiscus bark are strong, durable, resistant to UV light, and more sustainable for the environment. Some classic sail yachts still use natural fibers line nowadays. Unfortunately, synthetic fibers rope is more into use for the application in the marine industry such as polypropylene, nylon, polyesters, Kevlar, Dacron, Terylene, acrylics.
Synthetic ropes are waterproof, strong, and more resistant to rotting than natural fibers. They also hold certain disadvantages of slipperiness and damage easily by UV light. Most of all synthetic rope is a great contributor as a source of microplastic fiber pollutants for the ecosystem.
From the making processing, furthermore, as they wear out with time, they release into the ocean’s environment from the breakdown (shedding) of plastic base fibers. To reduce the number of microplastics fiber into our oceans environment, scientists since January 2020, are testing to make rope from the bark of hibiscus Tiliaceus.
Final Words and Some Recommendations
Rope Source located in England for all sorts of natural ropes, they have an infinite variety of lines and great service. Also, if you want to learn more about the essentials of sailing knots making check out Animated Knots.
Wish you all a happy summer and see you around ⛵️ 36.5271° N, 6.2886° W
Hola there, Paola here! I am passionate about the sea, sailing, and photography, based in the Balearic Islands. Native Spanish, born in Malaga.
I always had a passion for the sea and will be living new sailing adventures to continue to raise awareness regarding our seas and oceans. Hope you will enjoy my new sailing adventures. Someday we might meet at the same coordinates or even another guest post for Travelinsightpedia.
For more, you can visit my Instagram @blackandwhitezeal. Fair winds!
