Bowline
The bowline is probably the most useful knot taught in this website. The general purpose of this knot is to make a loop in the line. However, this loop can be used to join two lines together, to tie a halyard to the sail, to attach the outhaul to the clew grommet or almost anything else you can think of. If you are not sure which knot to use, a bowline will do!
How to tie it
Step 1: Make a loop with one 
end of the line, making sure the tail is under the short end. Be sure that the short end is long enough to complete the rest of the knot.
Step 2: Bring the short end 
up through the loop. The loop that is created by this will be come the loop in the line (so do not pull it tight).
Step 3: Bring the short end 
around the tail.
Step 4: Take the end back 
down through the loop and pull it tight.
Common Errors
Although this is one of the most useful knots that you will learn, it is also one of the most tricky. Some of the most common problems are:
- not making sure the tail is under the short end when making the initial loop. If the tail is not underneath, the knot will not work;
- starting by putting the short end down through the loop instead of up. If this happens, you will most likely end up with a granny knot;
- when finishing the knot, the short end goes back up through the loop instead of down. This will turn into a granny knot as well.
One thing that can happen, but does not affect the knot, is pulling the loop so tight that appears to be part of the knot. If you are just learning to tie the knot, it can sometimes be easier to tie the knot around something. If you choose to do this, make the loop on one end, then loop the short end around the pole (or whatever you are tying the knot around) and then proceed to tie the knot.
