Chapter 2: Before You Get Underway
Tying Nautical Knots

Figure Eight Bend: Formed by looping two ropes together in a figure eight, this knot is used to join two ropes of equal diameter. When formed with a single rope, it is commonly used as a "stopper" knot.

Bowline Knot: Handiest of knots, the bowline should be used whenever an eye or loop is needed. The bowline will neither slip nor jam.

Anchor Bend Knot: Used to fasten a line to a ring or anchor, the anchor bend is also called the fisherman's knot.

Cleating Hitch: Most often used when docking, this knot goes around the cleat in a figure eight and with one loop reversed.

Clove Hitch: Two loops with an end tucked under, this knot is used to secure a line temporarily to a piling or similar structure.

Round Turn and Two Half Hitches: Commonly used, the round turn (a simple wrap of a line around a post) takes the strain, and the two half hitches keep the round turn from falling off.