Here are the basic knots we regularly use aboard Madsu.

Figure 8 (stopper knot)

How we use it:
At the end of a line, like a sheet, to keep the rope from running through a block. The foresail (jib) sheet and the main sheet always should have a stopper knot on them.
How to tie a figure 8 knot
Robert will also show you the ‘quick’ way to make a stopper knot.

Cleat hitch (cleat knot)

How we use it:
To secure a line to a cleat. There are cleats on the boat for mooring, but also on the mast for securing halyards when we prefer to do that than in the cockpit.
How to tie a cleat knot

Round turn and 2 half-hitches

How we use it:
|To secure a line so that it can be un-done under pressure. Some docks don’t have cleats, they have rings or a railings to secure a line.
How to tie a round turn and 2 half-hitches

Bowline

How we use it:
A secure knot that is difficult to undo under pressure. We use them to secure things like gear, on towing lines, and for hoisting people! If we had to tie a sheet to the sail, we would use a bowline.
How to tie a bowline

Clove hitch

How we use it:
A quick knot we sometimes use to tie fenders to the boat. On Madsu we almost always use a round turn and 2 half-hitches instead.
How to tie a clove hitch