Bowline — The Sailor's Friend

The bowline (pronounced "bolin") is used whenever a loop is required that will not slip, jam, or fail. It is a favorite knot of sailors and is often used to tie off the mainsheet to the block at the end of the boom and to attach lines to the sail. It can be easily untied when not under tension.

First make an overhand loop in the standing part with enough lead to form the loop of the bowline. Bring the running end up through the bottom of the overhand loop, around the standing part, and then back down through the overhand loop. When done, hold the running end against the loop of the bowline that has just been formed and then pull on the standing part to tighten the knot.

The Boy Scout story still works well when learning to tie this knot. First make the overhand loop and then think of the tip of the running end being a rabbit! The rabbit comes out of his hole and goes around the tree (the standing end). He sees the fox; so he goes back in his hole. Hold the running end against the loop and pull the standing end, and there you have it — a bowline! See Figure.

The above article is from Thomas P. Martin's excellent book, Sailing is a Breeze: Learning to Sail a Laser, Sunfish or Other Small Boat. You can save 20% by ordering here!