Carrick Bend

Marine knots are an essential part of seamanship, used for securing sails, mooring boats, towing, or simply fastening gear.

Over 3,500 different knots have been documented throughout history, but sailors generally only need to master 10–20 essential knots for practical use. Some of the most important knots include:

• Bowline – a strong, secure loop that won’t slip.
• Clove Hitch – quick and easy fastening to a post or rail.
• Reef Knot (Square Knot) – for joining two ropes of equal size.
• Figure-Eight Knot – prevents ropes from slipping out of blocks or fittings.
• Sheet Bend – for joining ropes of different sizes.
• Rolling Hitch – for attaching a rope along another rope under tension.

Sailor’s note: The bowline is often called “the king of knots” because of its versatility and reliability, and it has been used by sailors for thousands of years!

See Boat File app - Captains Guide - Marine Knots