Yesterday, we were getting Wiskun ready for the haul-out. As you know, she has been sitting in our nice little niche for almost a year, with several lines tied to posts. Our intention was to just "walk" the boat out of our little hole, around to the other side where the slipway is. Our engine will be running, just in case.

So, with lots of support linemen on shore holding our lines, and some on board, we instructed all the lines loose - at the same time. All but one had trouble. He couldn't untie the bowline knot! Kjartan had to jump into the dinghy over to him. Within seconds the knot was loose. All he had to do was pull the line to release some tension, and untied it. There is a special technique to this. In times of emergency, this technique is necessary.

Bowline knot is the most useful knot for sailors. The bowline has a very strong holding power under load, but it can also work loose if there is no load. Therefore it is safer if done with another knot such as the stopper knot.  It takes time to learn how to do bowlines and with practice, it is very easy. When practicing, it is best to imagine the end of the rope as a "rabbit", the loop of the rope as the "rabbit's hole" and the standing part of the rope as the "tree trunk". Then memorize this: The rabbit comes UP the hole, around and UNDER the tree, and then back DOWN the hole.

Here is a video - selected because it tells you how to pronounce "bowline", shows you how to tie the knot, and also, more importantly, to untie it. Have fun learning! If you master it, do let me know. Just say "I DID IT!!"

;feature=related" title="How to tie and untie a bowline knot">Youtube video

PS - Wiskun was hauled out successfully. It was done in the dark and therefore I have no pictures to show of the process. The next hurdle will be the taking down of our masts. Check back and there will be an article with pictures - this I am sure.