How To Tie A Bowline
This page is about how to tie a bowline knot. Bowline (pronounced like 'bowlin'), is one of the most useful boating knots. It is often used to attach the spinnaker sheets to the spinnaker as well as the spinnaker halyard (the rope that pulls the spinnaker up).
In order to tie the bowline, you must first create a loop with the working end (the one you will manipulate) on top of the other end, as shown in the photo:
After this, take the working end and make another loop. Then take the working end and put it through the first loop, as shown in the photo:
Next take the working end and put it under the rope you aren't using as shown in the photo:
Almost there! Next, take the working end and put it through the first loop, as shown in the photo below:
Finally, tighten the knot by pulling the working end like what is shown in the photo below:
The bowline is used, because it is an unbreakable knot when force is applied. However it can be removed and only by one way. On the above photo you can see a tightened loop. This loop is called the back of the knot.
To open the knot 'break the back' by letting the loose rope into it. This will open the knot. Try it yourself with some string or rope.
Return from How To Tie A Bowline to Boating Knots
Return from How To Tie A Bowline to Started Sailing
