There are dozens of types of seafaring knots that are used on ships for different functions: to join two lines, to form a loop in the middle of a line, to tie the ship to a cleat, to lift a load...

If you shorten to charter yachts You probably don't know these knots, but it never hurts to learn about them. In this post we have selected 6 essential types of knots on a boatall of them simple sailor knots that can have multiple applications, do you want to discover what they are?

Among the many knots in this image you will find the most basic ones: the Flat knot (1), the Knot of eight (2) and the Guiding Ace (3). But we will also dwell on the classics: Broom Turn, Ballestrinque and, of course, the Simple knot. To learn how to tie them in a practical way, we recommend this video on 5 sailor's knots.

1. Plain knot

The reef knot is used for joining two strands of the same ore (thickness of rope measured by circumference) and type to be stressed.

As can be seen in image 1, these are two simple knots knotted in opposite directions, so that the choker (end of the rope) runs parallel to the rest of the rope.

2. Knot of Eight

The figure of eight is the most popular stopper knot. Not surprisingly, it is very important on a boat, and is often used to end a line at the chum to prevent it from escaping from a pulley or cleat.

As its name suggests, it is a figure of eight and is made by passing the knot under the firm and then back around the circumference formed. Be sure to leave the knot long because this knot is easily undone.

3. Guiding Ace

Also easy to undo, the guiding ace is one of the most popular marine knots. It is fast and safe and has the advantage that it does not slip. It is therefore used for securing halyards (the line used to hoist the sail) or sheets (the line used to chase a sail). It is also used to lift loads and to move rigging.

As can be seen in figure 3, this is a slightly more complicated knot. To explain how it is done among seafarers, the following story is often told with a lake and a snake:

We will make a first loop which will be a lake. The snake (the end of the snake pole) will enter the lake (behind the circumference formed by the rope). The snake will come out of the lake (above the circumference) and pass behind the firm end of the line: the tree. And after passing through the tree, it re-enters the lake. You can use the video to imagine this memory trick: the snake enters the lake, exits the lake, passes behind the tree and re-enters the lake.

4. Clew

The mainsheet turnbuckle has the following functions joining strands of ore and similar type. Like the plain knot, it is advisable that it is under a stable tension so that it does not come loose.

To do this, start by making a loop with one of the ropes (if they are the same, use the thicker one). Introduce the loop of the other end (it goes in at the bottom and comes out at the top) and make a turn around the circumference. Now we cross that loop under its own end, stretch it and that's it!

5. Ballestrinque

The Ballestrinque allows us to tie a line to a bar, handrail, post or eyebolt. Although it is a very easy and fast knot, it has the disadvantage that it does not resist well to pulls and stresses from different angles.

To do this, we start by passing the string around the bar and crossing it over the remaining piece of rope. We will go around the bar again and simply insert the string through the loop we have made.

6. Simple knot

And we conclude with the last of the essential knots in a ship as a stopperthe simple sailor's knot or thumb knot. Remember that it is the basis for many other knots such as the plain knot.

In this knot, the guyrope simply passes over and behind the rope and enters through the loop created. In spite of its simplicity, the simple knot is very difficult to untie so if it is used on vessels it is usually to maintain them for a long period of time.

Now, what are you waiting for to put these knots into practice? From A30Nudos we offer the boat rentals in Ibiza and Formenterawith different options according to the nautical titleor with a skipper on the boat All set up for practice the marvellous art of sailing and the dozens of types of knots that go with it!