70 http://www.yachtingmonthly.com MONTH 2017
Bowline
Rabbits, holes and trees is the way a lot of people learn this knot,
and even the most experienced yachtsman can get confused by
the presence of an onlooker. It is possible for the knot to flip, if
the loose end is pulled, so the knot can be tied as a Yosemite
bowline or as a double bowline to make it more secure. The
bowline remains a good knot to use on all ropes although
depending on the rope used you might investigate the variations.
Yosemite Bowline
Using a Yosemite finish stops the tail of the knot being pulled,
keeping it secure. After tying the conventional bowline take the
tail around the outside of the loop it comes out against, pass it
into the loop, and tuck it in the loop next to the standing part
(or tree) This finish was stronger when used in Marlowbraid,
Doublebraid and D2, but not three strand.
Making a loop
There are many times when a loop is
needed rather than a close fitting knot.
Sailmakers, for example, wince when
seeing the fabric on a headsail clew
compressed by a knot or cow hitch. We
were primarily looking for a good knot
with which to attach genoa sheets, but a
strong loop has many uses. The bowline is
the go-to knot when it comes to making a
loop, but can it be bettered?
3 Strand 2640 1470 55.7
Marlowbraid 2850 1490 52.3
Doublebraid 3690 1600 43.4
D2 Racing 5360 2090 39.0
Rope Break
Load (kg)
Knot Break
Load (kg)
% Strength
retained
Type of
Rope
Bowline
*Cover broke, enabling the Dyneema core to slip through the knot
3 Strand 2640 1400 53.0
Marlowbraid 2850 1640 57. 5
Doublebraid 3690 1750 4 7. 4
D2 Racing 5360 2150* 40.1
Yosemite Bowline
Rope Break
Load (kg)
Knot Break
Load (kg)
% Strength
retained
Type of
Rope
Technical
The bowline, the benchmark
knot for making a loop the
end of a line. Is it the best
though?