The Overhand Knot

• In knot terminology, the running end is the part of the rope that makes the knot, and the standing end is the part of the rope that anchors the knot and bears the strain. The overhand knot is the simplest sailing knot, in which the running end crosses over and behind the standing end, then through the loop that is created. Overhand knots are difficult to untie once they bear weight, so only use them for long-term purposes.
  
  

The Square Knot

• A square knot is the most common sailing knot.Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  The square knot, or reef knot, is basically two overhand knots formed from two pieces of rope. We first learn this knot when learning to tie shoelaces. This knot is useful for joining ropes together, and for securing almost anything on a boat, from sailcloths to loose equipment on deck. The trick to this knot is to ensure that the knot is a true square knot and not a granny knot, which can slip easily. An additional half-knot, or surgical knot, is sometimes done to make sure the lines are secure.
  
  

The Figure Eight Knot

• The figure eight knot is similar to the overhand knot, but with one key difference: It is easily untied, not matter how much pressure is applied to the rope. This knot is useful for keeping ropes from escaping out of sails. The figure eight knot is formed by creating a loop with the tail of the rope, passing it over over the standing end, then bringing the tail back around through the loop from underneath.
  
  

The Bowline Knot

• The bowline knot is the most versatile of all sailing knots. It is useful for securing a boat to a mooring, or a line to a ring, or to make a loop at the end of a rope. It is also a very secure knot, but easily undone.
  
  To make this knot, loop the running end over the standing part, and through the loop, from underneath.Then wrap it around around the back of the standing part and complete the knot by putting the running end down through the loop the same way it came out.
  
  

The Clove Hitch

• This is a quick and easy knot that is used to hitch a boat to a post or dock. It is made by making two underhand loops around a post or mooring, and tightening the second loop. This knot should only be used when the vessel is under supervision and for short periods of time because it can easily slip out. It can be made more secure by using it in combination with other types of knots.
  
  

Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

• This is a more secure hitching knot, thought to be superior to the clove hitch. It is made by passing a line twice around a post, which takes the strain, allowing the rest of the knots to be formed more easily. From here, tie two half hitches around the standing line.
  
  

The Rolling Hitch

• This knot is often used to take the strain off of an overloaded line. However, it may be more well known as the best kind of knot to tie around oneself if knocked overboard. This knot is tied around a line by looping the rope around the main line, tucking it between the standing end and the first turn and tightening it. This makes a slight kink in the main line. Finish by bringing the rope around once more and knotting it.
  
  

The Cleat Hitch

• The cleat hitch is used to secure a line to a cleat on a dock.Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  This is a very simple knot to make and is used to secure a line to a cleat on a dock. Bring the rope around the far horn of the cleat first, then the near horn. Then cross the line over the middle and make several figure eight turns until it is secure.
  
  

The Running Bowline

• This is a knot that can slide up on itself, similar to a noose. However, if the stationary object to which it is tied is difficult to reach, it can be a challenge to undo this knot. The running bowline is made by first passing the rope over the object to it is anchored to. Pass the running end around the standing end, through the loop, around itself, and back through the loop. This forms the bowline knot. To run the bowline knot up the line, simply pull on the standing end.
  
  

The Oysterman's Stopper

• This knot is used as a bulky stopper knot that is more secure than a figure eight knot. It is made by forming two loops on a line, one on the tail and one on the standing end. Tuck the loop on the standing end into the first loop. This forms a noose. Lead the tail through the noose and tighten.