Knots

Ropes are everywhere on a boat. When you're sailing, they hold the sails to the wind. When you're done, they secure the boat to its mooring and keep things from banging around. At the dock, they hold the boat steady so you can get on and off. And if you fall in the water, one may even haul you out. You can't sail without ropes, and you need knots to attach the ropes where they belong.

A good knot must do several things:

1. It must stay tied where you've tied it.
2. It must be strong enough to hold the load.
3. It must untie easily when you're done with it.

There are hundreds of different knots in the world, but you only need a few to sail. Practice these knots and learn when to use them. They'll become good friends.