Why Is It Called Knots?
Knots have been a part of sailing since the 17th century, when sailors used them to measure the speed of their ship with a device known as the “common log.”
Understanding the history and use of knots in sailing is essential to understanding why they are called knots and how they have been used throughout history.
Definition Of Knots
In sailing, knots are tied in rope or other material to create loops or secure items together. They are most commonly used to tie together multiple pieces of rope, but they can also be used to tie sails, anchor lines, and other items securely in place on a boat or ship.
The term “knot” has also been used to refer to any type of nautical measurement, including speed (knots per hour) and depth (fathoms).
History Of Knots
Knots were first used by sailors in the 17th century as a way to measure the speed of their ships with a device known as the common log. The common log was made from a coil of rope with uniformly spaced knots tied into it and attached to a piece of wood that was shaped like a slice of pie (thus giving it its name).
By counting the number of knots that passed through the water as the ship moved forward, sailors could estimate their speed and keep track of their progress over time.
This method became so popular that knots became synonymous with measuring speed on board ships and boats, leading us to call them “knots” today.
Knots In Sailing
Knots are essential for sailing because they allow sailors to securely tie down sails, anchor lines, and other items on board their vessels without having them slip or come undone during high winds or choppy seas.
They are also used for creating loops which can be used for tying items together more securely than if they were just tied end-to-end using regular rope or cordage.
Additionally, some types of knots can be used for decorative purposes on board ships, such as fancy figure-eight loops which can be made from rope or twine and then hung from mastheads or other fixtures on board ships as decorations or adornments.
Types Of Sailing Knots
There are many different types of sailing knots that can be used depending on what they are being used for onboard vessels such as fishing boats, sailboats, yachts, and other types of vessels at sea:
- Buntline Hitch – Used for securing sails onto masts, consists of wrapping the line around itself several times before tying off one end with an overhand knot
- Bowline – A loop knot that is commonly used for attaching lines to posts or rings, very strong and reliable when properly tied
- Clove Hitch – Used for attaching a line around an object, consists of wrapping one end around an object twice before tying off the ends together
- Figure Eight – A popular decorative knot that is often seen hanging from mastheads, consists of two interlocking loops which form an eight-shaped pattern when viewed from above
- Sheet Bend – Used for joining two pieces together, consists
