Essential Knots

In this guide, you will find tutorials to tie:

1. Bowline

2. Reef / Square Knot

3. Figure of 8 Stopper Knot

4. Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

Credit: Knot images from Ardent Training.

Bowline

When to use: When you want to make a loop on the end of a line to attach it to something. You can then pull hard on the line and the knot won't slip, but later it can still be undone easily.

Reef Knot / Square Knot

When to use it: to tie two ends of the same line together, such as when securing a reefed sail to the boom.

Tip: Left over right - Right over left

Figure of 8 Stopper Knot

When to use it: on the end of your main sheet and jib sheets so that they can't slip all the way out of the cleats.

Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

When to use it: Secure a rope to a fixed anchor point.