Do you know which of the sailing knots you need to use to make a longer docking line? Or maybe you've sailed into a new harbor with super high tides where you need to join two lines together for longer spring lines? Use these three easy steps to learn to tie the strong, reliable double becket bend.
Anytime you join one line to another, you want a knot that will hold under a shock load. Think of any line like a rubber-band. Boat wakes, tidal rise and fall, and wind gusts pull and push on your line.
Choose Your Joinery Method
You have two good choices for joining two lines together. Tie a bowline in one line. Pass the other line through the eye and tie a second bowline. This makes the strongest way to join two lines. But you will need a lot of line (small bowlines will take about 12" of each line) and you'll end up with two bulky knots in the line instead of one.
Your second choice--the double-becket bend--makes a strong, compact knot. It's often used to join two line of unequal diameter, but you can use it to join two lines of equal diameter. Follow these three easy steps to success:
1. Make a Teardrop
Form an upside down teardrop (or raindrop) shape with the larger of the two lines--or one of two lines if they're the same diameter. Hold the teardrop in your non-dominant hand with the fat part of the drop facing down (first illustration).
2. Pass the Becket
Pull the other line (or the smaller line) through the back of the teardrop and bring several inches toward you. Form a loose loop on one side of the teardrop. Pass the line around the back of the teardrop and through the loop. Do this twice (second illustration).
3. Cinch Up the Knot
Make your knot tight and compact. Pull on both standing parts and bitter ends a bit at a time. You want the knot to stay put under surge or shock load (third illustration).
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Every sailing skipper needs to know the best sailing knots that will give him or her the triple benefit of security, compactness, and reliability. Use the well-tested double-becket bend to join two lines together the next time you find yourself near the end of your rope!
Captain John
www.skippertips.com
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