The Cleat Hitch is the best way to tie a boat to a dock. It is an easy way to secure a boat, or for example an halyard to a bit in fast and secure manner.
But it is surprising that a lot of sailors don’t do it in right way.
It is best used where the length of the running end needs to be adjustable, since feeding in rope from either direction will loosen the knot to be tightened at a new position. With certain types of cord, the clove hitch can slip when loaded.
So lets begin tying this very useful knot:
1. Take a turn around the base of the cleat, and then bring the line over the top of the cleat.
2. Wrap the line back under the arm of the cleat opposite the first turn, then back over the top of the cleat. Wrap under the first arm a 2nd time and then back over the top of the cleat. You have now made a figure eight pattern over and around the cleat. Now form an under hand loop and slip that loop over the arm of the cleat, which pins the free end under the last wrap.
3. Pull the free end tight and you have the neat, tidy and secure Cleat Hitch.
Bravo! You have done proper Cleat Hitch
*for boats, cleat, ropes and all you will need to practice with
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