Gaff Topsail Halyard Bend
The gaff topsail halyard bend is a special hitch (not a bend) to attach halyards to the gaff spar. Gaff spars are not as widely used these days, however the knot still has many uses. Any sailor that has tinkered with topsails will know that once set you don’t really need to be revisiting them! This alone, speaks volumes for the security and reliability of the gaff topsail halyard bend. The gaff topsail halyard bend's origins are ancient and I suspect go back even before the age of sailing and thus it is known under a number of differing names. It is a very useful hitch that doesn’t tend to work loose when jerking and slating occurs. However, over time, wear at the point the standing line enters the knot can occur.
About Rope Knots
Regardless of your situation at some point in your life you’ll encounter a thread, cord or rope knot. Research records of archaeologist J Wymer shows records of knots as far back as 380,000 years ago! Some of these knots are as described, as used then, on this site.
Your life will be made easier and safer with some knowledge of how to tie a knot.
This site holds over 250 different animated knots. That is more than most could be expected to reasonably use. However, the question still remains; for the situation you currently find yourself, which knot should you use?
It is my hope that the animated illustrations provided on this site will assist and encourage you to extend your knot tying skills.
Rope knots can basically be divided into the following groups:
-
Bends - Joining two lines by intertwining them, without splicing, or sewing.
-
Hitches - A knot that secures a rope or line to another object.
-
Stopper – Used to bind strands at the end of a rope to stop fraying or unraveling.
Also formed to stop a rope slipping through a hole or to provide a weight or handhold.
-
Bindings – Much like hitches. They are used to bind either lines or objects together. Their aim is
to keep objects in place.
-
Splices – Describes the act of joining the ends, or the end and a standing part, of rope by
interweaving strands. They are not knots in themselves.
-
Loops – Loops create structures used to tie, or secure, another object or line to another line.
They can be formed at the end or midway a length of rope.
-
Plaits - Weaving several lines together to form a pattern and a cohesive structure.
-
Miscellaneous & Decorative – Knots that have decorative, dress or multiple category
characteristics.
The rope knot section of this site is set out with these groups firmly in mind.
Good luck
Andy
|
Fish Baits
