A few good knots (1)

Comment

Comment by PCarrico on October 8, 2008 at 12:15am

The term "Midshipman's Hitch" was made aware to me by a book called "Young Officers Sheet Anchor" but it might have a more proper term use in it's application as Jezebel describes. "Young Officers Sheet Anchor" is a book published by the British Admiralty back in the 1800's to teach British Ensigns how to sail a full rigged ship. Excellent book if you can find it. I've given a few of those books away to graduating ensigns at the Naval Academy.
Another grip hitch to learn is the Prussic Hitch which is like a larks head but with a few more passes. We use this when the grip on the line must be guaranteed with extreme load versus the lighter application of the rolling hitch.
Thanks for your comments.

Comment by Richard Mansfield on October 3, 2008 at 4:38pm

Nice video. very presented. I use a Rolling Hitch on my bridle for my anchor it holds goodin tight. good job Rich.

Comment by Jezebel on October 3, 2008 at 1:15pm

Nice video. The Rolling Hitch is an essential sailing knot which I use constantly for all kinds of things. (A famous sailing application is to take the load off a sheet so you can free up a winch override.) When tied back on its own standing part, it's known as a Midshipman's Hitch (or Taut Line Hitch, if you're a landlubber) and makes a secure but easily adjustable loop -- great for keeping the guy lines on a wind scoop or awning taut, for example. The Cajun Come-Along is just a doubled-up version of a Trucker's Hitch -- just stop after the first loop and you have this classic hitch. This type of hitch is generally more useful for tyng things down rather than substituting for a block and tackle (which doesn't come up that much). For example, to tie a dinghy securely down on deck, add a Trucker's Hitch to your lashing and you'll have the leverage to get the line really tight before you tie off.

Comment by LOLA on October 3, 2008 at 7:24am

Very informative,,,Thank you