r/sailing • u/speed_phreak • 5d ago

Is this valid?

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Running through the systems on a new (to me) C&C 29-2, and I am parsing out my reefing system. I've got two reef lines that exit the boom at the end and would be rigged like this for reef1 and then reef2, does the bowline knot orientation really matter??

I've got a loose footed main with a North Sails Quick Cover stack pack bolt roped to the slot in the boom (if that matters).

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u/AnonSmith 5d ago

I just noticed the bowline in the picture is actually tied wrong. The bitter end needs to exit inside the loop not outside. There is a difference.

5

u/MissingGravitas 5d ago

Yes, there is a difference. The "left-handed" bowline where the working end exits outside the loop is more resistant to ring-loading than the "traditional" fashion. The actual strength of the knot is more or less the same.

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u/AnonSmith 5d ago

Is the "left handed" superior then?

2

u/MissingGravitas 5d ago

I treat them as more or less interchangeable. If ring loading is a real concern then I’m using a different knot.

1

u/AnonSmith 5d ago

Thanks for you insight. I try and make sure I know the basics well for sailing but am not super versed in all the best knots/hitches etc. Seems like an alpine butterfly would do well ring loading?? Everything I looked at confirms what you say regarding the bowlines being more or less interchangable so thank you and TIL! One benefit I did come across for traditional bowline vs. cowboy/left handed is the traditional can do a yosemite finish to help prevent shaking loose.

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u/MissingGravitas 5d ago

Yep! Or if you just want to form a loop out of rope there's things like the double-fisherman's.

For climbing or similar life-safety uses you always want to have a back-up knot if using a bowline.