SHEEPSHANK Second method When tied in small- diameter rope this method is done in hand, unlike the first method which was made ona flat surface. The end result, however, is very similar. When using large-diameter rope or hawser, this is the method normally used. The large bights which begin the knot are run out on deck, and half hitches are formed around the ends. Sheepshanks are practical knots and are very useful when towing boats in confined spaces. 12Method Hold the rope in the left hand and take up the slack in the form of a letter S (1). Move the right hand counterclockwise to form a small loop (2); then thread the loop over the end of the first bight (3). Move the left hand counterclockwise to form a second loop (4) and thread this over the end of the second bight (5). Insert the right end in the small opening below the first bight. Reverse the small loop around the first bight. Tighten the knot by pulling the two ends at the same time and with equal force (6). It is good practice to check that the two bights are securely inserted in the respective eyes and that they are not too short; for if they do not protrude sufficiently they could come away 6 and thus undo the knot. Co ga ap AD 113KNOTTED SHEEPSHANK This knot has the advantage over the ordinary sheepshank that it does not come undone but the disadvantage that it is more difficult to undo. Itis not used much by seamen, as the two overhand knots that hold the knot together jam when subjected to great strain, making it very difficult to untie. Itis, however, an interesting and useful knot when a permanent shortening is needed, Method Make a simple running knot, leaving a long end (1). Double the end back to the right and form an overhand knot in the end of the loop (2). Tighten the knot by pulling the ends (3). 114tackle Tackle is a device used for lifting or moving weights; in its original form it was made up of a system of pulleys through which the force necessary to lift a specific weight was reduced. Tackle is used at sea for handling ropes or to reduce the strain on the running rigging and is a basic feature of sailing. To understand the importance of tackle, you need only remember that in a Force 5 wind (35 kph/22 mph) the pressure on the sails is 10 kg per sq m/2 lb per sq ft. There are various types of tackle: a runner reduces the power required to lift a load by half, apart from friction; a gun ora luff tackle reduces it to a third; and winding tackle reduces it to a sixth. In general, it is not advisable to use a greater number of whips than this. While the effort needed to move a weight is reduced in proportion to the increasing complexity of the tackle, the time it takes and the amount of rope required increase.SIMPLE AND COMPLEX TACKLE Asingle whip with one pulley (1) does not reduce the effort required to lift a weight. A runner (2) divides in half the effort necessary to move a weight. Tackle with a double whip has the rope passing through two blocks, one standing and the other moving (3, 4). Rigged as here, it also reduces the effort toa half. This tackle is used on the boom sheet carriages of small sailing boats, by builders for hoisting concrete buckets or small loads, and to secure loads on roof racks. The arrangement illustrated in figure 5 spreads the loadbetween two tackles and offers a significant increase in power. Similar to the Spanish burton, it is often used for the running rigging of an average tonnage sailing boat. This kind of tackle was used by sailors in the past to make the stays of the fore and aft sails taut. The only disadvantage of complex tackle is that it is slow and requires a lot of rope. Consequently, it is practical only for short lifts.POLDO TACKLE This is universal and can be ~ used at sea and in climbing and camping, Poldo tackle is a truly ingenious device; thanks to the fact that it runs on a closed loop, it is self- locking. Method Make a bowline at one end of a rope. Run the other end through the loop of the bowline; then tie the end on itself with another bowline. The photographs (1, 2, 3) show the minimum and & maximum extensions of the knot. N.B. Man-made ropes should not be used for this knot by climbers.bends Bends are used for joining two ropes at the ends to form a longer rope. These knots are divided into two groups: those made in string and small stuff which do not need to be untied after use (for example, the weaver's knot) and those which are to be untied after use. For bends to be secure, the ropes joined have to be of the same diameter and have the same properties, Also note that a wet rope is stronger than a dry one. The sheet bend is an exception to the above rule; as it is extraordinarily secure, even when made with ropes of different diameter. Bends should only be used as a temporary measure; splices should be used for more permanent joints. The most important bends are: the reef or square knot, the sheet bend, the carrick bend, the water knot, the grapevine knot, the Hunter's bend, the Japanese bend, and the surgeon's knot bend. The illustration on the following pages shows: 1.Sheetbend 2.Japanese bend 3. Water knot 4. Reef or square knot 5.Hunter’sbend 6. Carrick bend 7. Surgeon's knot bend 8. Grapevine knot 119