Bowline, "american"

The bowline is one of the most common and important knots for sailors. Quite often a sailor needs a simple running loop which is easy to untie. There are two methods to knot a bowline: here we have the american variation. Begin with a small overhand loop.

Make a larger loop and bring the free end through the first loop. The size of the loop can be arbitrary.

Now form a bight by bringing the running end under,

and over the standing part.

Then back through the loop.

The bitter end is parallel to the standing end.

Tie the knot softly.

This won’t slip or snarl under strain, yet will untie easily with one tug on the bight. Caution: The line must not be tied step by step, otherwise it is not easy to untie the knot anymore.

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