I am not suggesting that you have a boat of this size but whatever size craft you have it needs to be tied up securely. What follows is an occasional series of the most common and useful knots. To kick things off is the bowline. Easy to tie, it probably is one of the most useful of knots that the boat owner can learn. The bowline is used for making a temporary loop in the end of the rope, it's easy to untie even after it has been under load.
Start by making an over hand loop and hold this between fingers and thumb.
Pass the working end up through the overhand loop as shown.
Pass the working end around the back of the standing part.
Carry the working end back through through the loop and grasping the end in the right hand snug up the knot, thus completing the bowline. You can vary the size of the loop by starting the knot farther down the standing part. As with all rope work practice makes perfect.
Comments