Learning Materials
Sail Ahead— learn about sailboat parts, important knots, rigging and more!
Sailboat Parts
| Explore the Parts and Functions of the Flying Scot Daysailer | UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Links to videos and details related to part functions are coming soon. Move the pointer atop the Flying Scot image at left and the contents of the green box below will change to provide more detail. In many cases you can CLICK a part to get close-up images or videos regarding that part. That info will open in a new window. | |||||
SAILBOAT PART DETAIL
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Sailing Knots
There are about six knots essential to sailing (plus a few variations). These include the figure 8, bowline, round turn and two half-hitches, clove hitch, tautline hitch, and the cleat hitch.
Figure 8 / Stopper Knot
This knot prevents lines, like the mainsheet or jibsheet, from slipping out of a cleat. Unlike a simple overhand knot, it won’t bind and become impossible to untie.
Bowline
A non-slipping loop for securing a line to something, like the head of a sail or a block. Easy to untie, but a bit tricky to tie at first.
Round Turn & Two Half-Hitches
Wrap a line twice around a post or rail, then tie two consecutive overhand knots. A tug just tightens it.
Clove Hitch
Two interlocking loops around a post or rail. Simple, secure, and snugs up when pulled.
Tautline Hitch
An adjustable loop that holds tension, perfect for lines that need to be tightened or loosened.
Cleat Hitch
This maneuver secures your boat to a cleat or ties off a halyard on a mast.
Rigging a Sailboat
Marrying the Mast to the Step Pin
An adjustable loop that holds tension, perfect for lines that need to be tightened or loosened.
Marrying the Mast to the Step Pin
An adjustable loop that holds tension, perfect for lines that need to be tightened or loosened.