Before launch, let’s review knots

May, 1999

By Tom Snyder

I am pleased to offer the first in a series of useful knots. Today’s knot, the Have Knot, is good for literally one or two applications, although it is not within the scope of this column to get into usage.

Locate the free end of your rope. This point is found twice on any line, approximately equidistant from the imaginary center point. Describe a continuous tuck of three strands from the “lazy” end, braiding them back through themselves, thus forming a slowly spiraling crown swatch around which to bend the bight that automatically occurs in your left hand due to the twisting motion just encountered.

History of knots: When, at the turn of the century, the commercial bark Harry Sutton sank at her docks in a light breeze, leaving afloat only her main deck cleats with docking lines still secured, the harbor master was heard to say that the bark was worse than the bight. True story.

By pulling smartly and suddenly upward on the two loops comprising this virtual “Estonia hitch” now in your right hand, you will allow the knot to tumble in on itself. This is neither bad nor good; it is neutral.

Now reach with your free hand, or whatever, deep into the knot and grasp the section of line that seems to be forming a faux “Lithuania hitch” around itself. This is of course just an illusion. Hitch in hand, continue “walking through” the knot until you experience an uncomfortable tightness. There you go! A Have knot.

To untie, simply follow directions in reverse, though obviously you will skip the crown swatch, unless you want to end up with a shreeve crump. Not!

Next issue: Bowline on a Binge techniques, plus an interview with Dodge Morgan, who swears by the bunny/tree method.

Television producer Tom Snyder (“Dr. Katz”) lives in Cambridge, Mass. with his wife, Anne, and children. He sails his Island Packet 350 Blue Moon out of Hingham, Mass. and Peaks Island, Maine.