Sail trim is one of the most important skills in sailing, but because the wind is invisible, it can sometimes be difficult to judge whether your sails are trimmed properly. A very helpful way to detect wind flow around your … Continued
When coiling a line, one hand makes a new loop which is fed only the other hand holding the loops previously coiled. With laid line it helps to twist the line slightly as you coil to avoid kinks or twists … Continued
The square knot is used only for sail lashings. It is not recommended for tying two lines together because it can be difficult to untie. It is a good not for a sail tie.
This knot uses a loop to secure a line to an object.
The Figure-8 knot looks like its name. It is sometimes called a stopper knot, and is tied on the end of a line to keep the line from slipping through a fitting. Easy to untie, it is commonly used on … Continued
A clove hitch is used to tie a line to an object. It is not a very secure knot. It is very easily untied but, with an extra half hitch, can be used to secure a tiller.
The Bowline (BOE-lin) puts a non-slipping loop at the end of a line. The knots becomes more secure under pressure, but remains easy to untie. It is commonly used know on sailboats. Among it’s many applications, the bowline is used … Continued
Courtesy on the water makes sailing more fun for everyone. But beyond courtesy, there are Navigation Rules – like traffic laws – that can be enforced by authorities. Navigation Rules help prevent accidents and apply to the smallest rowboat and … Continued
By: Nick Turney of North Sails Prepared for the 2011 US Sailing One Design Symposium, this hands-on seminar will show you the proper steps of tuning a mast and also how to use mast bend to your advantage. These steps will … Continued