Ep18: Learn to Sail: Part 8: Basic Knots

[@cohall46]

This is an outstanding video showing how to tie these knots. Pacing is excellent, lighting and camera angle is perfect plus you showed the tying several times. I wish you made a video showing how to tie lots of other different knots. Thanks for sharing.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Awesome, thank you!

[@directfitness]

I’ve been searching for a knot tying tutorial, and after viewing about 10 this is the best one yet! Thank you!

[@johan8724]

Wasn't sailing for 30+ years and bought me an old nicholson 32 last week in good nick. Now watchin all the vids here to refresh the knowledge hidden in the depths of my memory. Very useful all these episodes, thank u so much. Greetings from the Netherlands .

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Great to hear! Congratulations. Nicholsons are such great boats.

[@mvdeehan]

I had not heard the story till now. Sweet. I will teach my granddaughter this way! Thank you!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Wonderful!

[@salty8752]

Navy Veteran here. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tutorial. I knew all of these from the Navy-no idea why they teach them, but probably tradition. Your video exceeds the standard because you get down to business. No chit-chat, no, please do this for part two. You said you were teaching knots and you did just that, thank you.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you so very much for your kind comment. I’m delighted

[@CaliRico2001]

Im watching lot of teachings videos but not one its so much easy to understand like you You deserved ton of congrats

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@isenmileshamson4603]

Tying knots like these everyday, makes my job as a deckhand intriguing!! and everyday I experiment a new one and gets myself more fascinated to become enthusiastic about my job!!!😁😁😁😁

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

I like the sound of that. Keep it up

[@Misanti888]

Great explanation. Simple but easily to learn...

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Glad you think so! Thank you Misanti888

[@Toniitony]

perfect way to teach. thank you.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for the kind comment.

[@michellevandervecht9630]

Of all the knot tutorials I’ve watched yours is by far the easiest follow. Thank you!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you Michelle. I’m very happy to hear it.

[@aleksandramayevska6923]

Wow! That was the best way explained I've come across so far. Super helpful! Thank you!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

You're very welcome!

[@priv8teer]

Thank you so much for this tutorial - I have struggled with knots all my life. In the days before the internet I just couldn't follow the written instructions and later on videos went too quickly. Repeating the knot several times slowly so I can follow along really helps. I could never understand why I had a 50:50 chance of getting a reef knot right - unknowingly leading with my left hand didn't help matters. Your tip to compare the lie of the second crossover with the first really helps me confirm I am going the right way. Your sheet bend tip is absolutely brilliant.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you for all your kind, positive and encouraging comments. I'm delighted that you are finding value in my videos.

[@brownh66]

Very clear instructions. No waffle! Thank you.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you. I'm delighted that you enjoyed the video.

[@samarcaverly7961]

Best knot video. Thanks for sharing your gift of teaching knot tying and making it easier!

[@tarkates9765]

Best sailing knots video. Thank you.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Our pleasure!

[@rwmcrady]

After having learned the sheet bend in the Cub Scouts (U.S.) in my youth, this oddly named knot finally makes sense in the context of sailing. Thank you for the crystal clear, highly informative videos.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Excellent! Thank you so much for the kind comment.

[@FlowerOfGallows]

If there is something like excellence in teaching, this is it. Sailing student here, I have already watched half of your videos, and indeed the level of teaching in all of them is consistently excellent. Greetings from the Uk!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Wow, thank you! 🙏 😊

[@Inspiredstage]

This was the best video on knots I have come across. Really clear style - as with all your videos thank you

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Wow, thank you!

[@ellieniakan9484]

The best video I have seen about knots. Thank You. Keep the good work.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

I’m glad you enjoyed it Ellie. Thanks for kind feedback 🙏

[@Khiron515]

Hey Marco, I am learning all I can about sailing as I am about to buy a boat in the next few months. I was interested in how to heave to and you've answered in one of the vids wonderfully. I had to watch it again cause I really enjoyed your method of presentation, so much so that I have binge watched to this point..., thank you thank you thank you.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Welcome aboard!

[@StefJuncker]

Marco, you are really concise, clear and absolutely well explained. A true pleasure to learn from you friend

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you so much for the kind and encouraging comment Stef. I’m delighted that you are enjoying my videos.

[@davidjeannieintexas7816]

Thanks for a great video on knots. Someone finally made an easy to follow tying guide, and when and how they can be used. Wonderful job, appreciate it!!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

You’re very welcome David and Jeannie. It is my pleasure. So happy that you are finding my videos useful. Thank you for taking the time to comment. All the best.

[@michelehowe6853]

Not just for sailing, also great when you are doing a Nautical look in your bathroom! 🤪 Thanks so much for the instruction. Fair winds and following seas. 😁

[@terrellovett4940]

Very clear,the most understandable I’ve found. Thanks

[@thanhluong8297]

Thank you Sir ! Your are the best of the best Instructor

[@seamuscharles9028]

WONDERFUL great simplification and explanation

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you Seamus

[@seamuscharles9028]

@@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine and Thank YOU Just bought an Excaliber 36ft for my 70th birthday Have to Learn Everything A New Adventure Keeps One Young

[@geraldhinson]

Excellent video (and channel!)... Keep them coming!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

More to come!

[@yanivlavy3308]

Best sailing knots video. Thanks Marco you makes it easy and simple

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Glad you like them! Delighted you found the demos useful

[@grahamdavies5254]

Great tutorial! Thank you.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@goodpeople3213]

Always enjoy these! Keep them coming!!! :)

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

You got it! Thanks so much for the kind feedback!

[@edwardmcnulty8560]

Teaching to my Daughter..these are perfect ❤️

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Glad to be of assistance

[@ioannisntoumas7815]

Thank you so much! Very great to explain! You are a great instructor!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

You're very welcome! Thank you for the kind compliment. I'm delighted that my videos are helping you.

[@AlchemistJedi]

good demonstrations. for the last knot an important variation is the one handed bowline

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thanks for the comment Jedi. The one handed bowline is indeed an important variation. Thanks for watching!

[@isenmileshamson4603]

I remember how hard it was for me to fully understand to tie the bowline knot for the first time! But now I know how to tie it with a twist!!😁😁😁

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

That's great!

[@WavedancerWesterlyfulmar]

Yet another brilliant job on informative video

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kaitlinzurdosky2924]

I'm taking sailing lessons this summer, and this video was extremely helpful! Thank you!!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

That’s great Kaitlin. Thanks for the kind comment and good luck with your lessons this summer.

[@noelhayward4271]

Great video, when I was taught the bowline 65 years ago in scouts, there was an extra line to the verse with the bunny. It was: "and pull all three". So the instruction was: "Then bunny came out of the burrow, round the tree, went down the burrow and pull all three".

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thanks for sharing!

[@WavedancerWesterlyfulmar]

Great for skill refreshing after the winter away from the boat

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

It sure is!

[@argiris1989pr]

Thank you for the video

[@davidhuntington6199]

Fabulous video. Thanks so much. I am hoping to go to basic keelboat sailing school soon and this will make things much less stressful.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you David. Yes it should make life easier for you. Good luck on your course.

[@henriquehenrique733]

Good knots ... very show... Thank you here from Brazil, Guarulhos...

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you very much!

[@PoeJeters]

Cool trick I picked up somewhere along the way: You can tie the sheet bend with the same two finger method used for the bowline since the sheet bend is essentially the exact same knot configuration as the bowline. In fact, if you were to tie a standard bowline knot and then cut the loop, you’ll be left with a perfect single sheet bend. Pretty cool

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Yes. I remember figuring out the same thing.

[@yanivlavy3308]

Thanks for another great video, Marco.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you for the kind comment. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@chlordk]

Index 01:02 Figure eight (stopper knot) 02:32 Reef Knot (Square knot) (tie two same diameter) 04:23 Clove Hitch (tie around a pole) 05:51 Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches (tie life lines) 07:40 Sheet bend (two lines different diameter) 09:47 Bowline (will not slip)

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you for this information. I have added it to the description

[@jimjoijoijoijioj7556]

Thanks for a great lesson on basic knots!

[@caraqal]

Thanks for the great lesson, and thank you for filming POV since that really helps understand the knots much faster!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vanlifeembracingdiversity5431]

Thank you loads. Need refreshing for clove for climbimg 👍

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Happy to help

[@ChrisandKellNowHere]

Awesome tutorial! So simple & helpful!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you. Keep up the good work on your channel

[@claudiof.barbano5530]

Thank you!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

You're welcome!

[@craigparse1439]

I know you covered it but the bowline loop must have the standing part of the line beneath the loop (as was mentioned as an OVER-hand loop). The bowline falls apart if you use an UNDER-hand loop. I've gotten good at tie a bowline and square knot. I have reasonable success w/ the figure eight knot. I need to practice the other ones. Very well-done instructional video. Thank you!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Great tip!

[@thaitom449]

All standard when you've worked on fishing boats, also the bowline on the bight is a great knot for adding a loop in the middle of a long length of rope

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thanks for the info!

[@kamaltandel8281]

Thank you sir

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

So nice of you. Thank you 🙏

[@hosoiarchives4858]

1:01 Figure eight 1:48 2:30 Reef knot 4:23 Clove hitch 5:50 Round turn and two half hitches 7:40 single sheet bend 9:47 bowline

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you

[@pauloferreira4040]

First of all, great video, congrats. For all the knots you gave an example on what situation (on the boat) you would use such a knot, but for the sheet bend you haven't. I know that it is used to tie two ropes of different diameter, but in what situation this occurs on a sailing boat? Thanks

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

There are lots of jury rig type situations where you might need to add length to a line and you have to tie different lines together. It’s one of those knots you have in your back pocket till one you day you recognize a need for it.

[@campuscab]

Thanks for the 2 finger method I always flip it wrong if I haven't tried one in a while

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Good to hear

[@siddikurrohoman-qw5gt]

Thanks YOU Sri MORE

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you!

[@BarbaraMolin1]

This seems to be the simplest video on how to tie the knots that are most often used on a sailboat. I have a prospective crew coming soon so I sent her a link to this video to get her started.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thanks Barbara, that’s great. I’m delighted that you enjoyed the video and found it helpful.

[@jeffmelton6875]

Great video. One of the best knot videos I've seen. Check out Tips From A Shipwright's bowline video if you get a chance. Louis shows how the "wrong" sheet bend can slip. I've been tying the double sheet bend ever since I saw this. I have trouble remembering if the bitter ends are supposed to be on the same side of opposite sides.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thanks for the kind feedback Jeff. In spite of being an instructor for almost thirty years I tied the sheet bend the wrong way half the time because no one ever pointed out to me that the ends have to be on the came side or it could slip. Learn something new everyday. I will check out the video you suggest. Thanks again

[@MackeyZiibiins]

I got interested in why the left-hand sheet-bend is supposedly inferior to the right-hand one. A review of this online (including a reference to a peer-reviewed paper) shows that they are essentially the same in terms of strength and holding power. The same can be said of the left-hand bowline (cowboy) versus the right hand bowline.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

That’s really good to hear. I’ve had some flak over that. Thx for sharing.

[@tanguerochas]

The Square Knot is responsible for more deaths and injuries than all other knots combined -- when used as a bend -- to tie two lines together under load. -- Clifford Ashley, Ashley Book of Knots (ABOK) Excellent on Round Turn and Two Half-Hitches and Sheet Bend.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you for the feedback. I love Ashley's Book of Knots

[@goodlifehomebrew6339]

When tying a bowline, can you go the wrong way around the tree?

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

My understanding is that is the way it is tied in Europe. I think it's probably ok but I have always tied it the traditional way.

[@psychotimo]

bit of a late comment but when it comes to the reef knot I always heard that a zeppelin knot is a better option. since it's really secure (more secure than a reef knot afaik) and mroe importantly it's non jamming (and real easy to break) just wanted to check if this is true? but other than that small question, awesome knot guide, coherent and easy to follow :)

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

I had never heard of the Zeppelin knot, I had to look it up. It’s similar to a Carrick Bend. The problem is that you can’t tie under load. The reef knot, in my opinion only has one use and that is to tie in the reef pints of a sail. I don’t believe that a Zeppelin knot would lend itself well to that. Thanks for the question and comment.

[@psychotimo]

@@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine Yeah that makes sense, the zeppelin seems a bit more complex to make and I feel like it wouldn't be as easy to adjust (definitely when under load) and is probably a massive pain to untie while under load. being non-jamming and very secure might be a plus, but if the reef knot does the job and is a lot easier to work with then why make it harder for yourself. thanks for the answer, was a nice clarification ^^

[@hablamosmalinois9767]

The bowline is also used in climbing to secure the harnas of the climber to the climbing rope but it is often considered less safe as the figure 8 where the end of the rope is woven through the original figure 8 knot.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

I have heard that but like you say the figure eight is the industry standard

[@williamreymond2669]

With the bowline, one thing that may be very helpful is that you present the tying of the knot with the standing end of the line running away from you. Most times when you are tying this knot, or many times, the line will be running the opposite way. So what happens, your standing there with a pile of rope - I mean line - at your feet, and suddenly everything looks upside down and backwards. Might be helpful to show it tied in both orientations.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you for your input

[@pauloferreira4040]

Ah, and a suggestion, if you can edit this video, I would include the Rolling hitch knot, since it is very useful to transfer the load from one line to another in case, for example, your mainsheet has an override on the winch and you can use a spare line to remove the load while you remove the override. Thanks

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

The rolling hitch is in part two kzbin.info/www/bejne/apTFkoyOoJipl8k

[@jacklantic]

Silly question...what thickness of rope is that, and where can I get it? Practice rope online seems to always be really skinny and short, and not real rope (or it comes with a built in loop).

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

I believe that it’s 3/8. I got it from a local marine supply store. If you’re stuck I could get done for you and nail it.

[@jacklantic]

@@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine thank you!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

@@jacklantic I really hate auto correction 😡 I meant to say I can get you some and mail them. Where do you live?

[@jacklantic]

@@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine just trying to find a way to not have to buy 200ft between two ropes 🤣

[@jacklantic]

@@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine Austin, TX!

[@Srealdan]

2:46 Then Call Direct-Line

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Reef knot! Thank you

[@alexanderblitz6819]

Good video, and it is a good for demonstration, but if there is any chance of the load pulling before you are ready, you should not put your fingers through the knots like in the sheet bend demonstration.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Fair point and thank you for the comment, but I really can't imagine a scenario where I would be tying a sheet bend with any chance of the load pulling before I was ready. In that sort of scenario I would be using a different knot.

[@assifkhan3803]

Knots and Splices by Cyrus L Day

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you

[@Dan_C604]

Great demonstration! I know there is a way to tie a bowline with just one hand and it is meant to be done for safety (for example you fall in the water and can grab a line with one hand while you hold to the boat with the other hand). I see the value of it but I never mastered it. Maybe you can demonstrate it. Thank you!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thanks for the kind comment Dan. That’’a a great idea. I’ll let you know when it’s up.

[@knot4man]

When I've seen the one- hand bowline demonstrated, it involves putting your whole hand through the "rabbit- hole." If a sudden unexpected strain comes on the line, you could be trapped and injured or pulled overboard or injured. I know of a fatal accident where a half hitch in a spinnaker line around someone's ankle (not involving a bowline) pulled him overboard.

[@Dan_C604]

@@knot4man interesting point, i didn’t think of it.

[@inventiveowl395]

Fun fact: The bowline is called "the dragons noose" in czech and the story goes: The dragon flew out of the lake, around the tower and back into the lake.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you for sharing, I had never heard that before.

[@osks]

‘Carpe Diem’ - fish of the day?

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

🤣

[@jimmybrokos4610]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thank you

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

8:01 memory jog: “bite the big one”

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thannk you

[@koffieslikkersenior]

Everyone who ties their shoes properly knows the reefknot without knowing it. Just foregoe the slips

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

That's true

[@across_the_plane6800]

Everyone knows the reef knot, tying shoes for example, albeit with some extra bites.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thanks for the comment

[@NewEnglandPatriotsfan]

Is that a Rolex? Looks like it

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Omega Seamaster

[@chroniclesofstuntbucket3522]

The Rabbit Hole Knot.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

AKA the Bowline 😉

[@kurtschmidt5746]

Reef knot should not be used as a bend, even if the lines are the same diameter. There's just never a reason to use it as a bend, and excellent reasons not to use it. Only for reefing sails, or, binding shoes or sacks or so.

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

I agree. I was going to say the only thing I ever use it for is reefing mainsails and I don't even do that anymore. Thanks for the comment.

[@sergeyg2926]

Kurt, as always, makes an excellent point. Reef knot is not a bend, it's a binding knot: it only performs well and reliably when the knot lays against a surface. Moreover, one of the best things about a reef knot is not how you tie it, but how you untie it - and this is rarely shown. If you yank on one of the tails sharply in the direction opposite from where the tail points, the reef knot will collapse into a cow hitch, which you can grab and easily slide off the tail you yanked on - giving you a very quick way to untie the knot when you need to shake out a reef.