Ode to Rope

As I cast off for that very first time,
The "rope" in my hand has now become "line".
And hauling the sails to the top of the mast,
That "rope", now a "halyard" holds strong, taught and fast.
Then sailing in brisk winds full force on a beat.
The sails are trimmed in by that "rope" that's a "sheet".
And now at my anchorage with sails safely stowed,
I trust in that "rope" that now serves as a "rode".
Through all my life I will never lose hope,
Of a reason or time to play with a rope.

 

Knots to You

Click on a knot name and get an animated demonstration of the knot

 

The Bowline, known as "The King of Knots"

 

A Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

 

The Clove Hitch

 

The Sheetbend

 

The Double Sheetbend

 

Left handed Sheetbend

Notice that the bitter ends are on opposite sides of the knot

The Horned Cleat Hitch

 

The Carrick Bend

 

The Buntline Hitch

 

The Portuguese or Spanish Bowline

 

The Sheepshank

 

The Bowline on a Bight

 

The Lover's Knot

 

 

How strong are knots???