Yourbestsailvideo
Nautical Knots (part 2)
22 March 2023 · 14 min · 3K views
What this video covers
The figure-eight knot, reef knot, sheet bend, and rolling hitch serve specific functions in rigging and deck operations. The figure-eight knot acts as a stopper knot to prevent lines from slipping through clutches, pulleys, or deck organizers.1:19 The reef knot joins two ends of the same line or secures objects like a spinnaker pole to a rail, though it lacks the strength for high-load applications.3:55 The sheet bend connects two lines of varying diameters; when joining lines of different thicknesses, the thicker line must form the bight while the thinner line wraps around it.7:09 A double sheet bend increases security under heavy tension.10:24 The rolling hitch, similar to a clove hitch but with additional wraps, resists horizontal tension and allows a sailor to transfer the load from a jammed winch-loaded sheet to a secondary line.11:24 Proper knot selection requires balancing holding power with the ability to untie the knot after it has been under load.
More from Yourbestsail
From Yourbestsail — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.



