SeamanshipSecuring and stowing ropes correctly

Lars Bolle

 · 25.05.2025

Seamanship: securing and stowing ropes correctlyPhoto: YACHT/N. Guenter
We will show you how to shoot ropes correctly in a separate article. This article is about the subsequent securing of the shot-up coil

Secure the waistband to the railing

A method is shown here that is suitable for securing the excess cordage of mooring lines such as the winding line of a genoa furling system. It can be hung on the railing. Otherwise, this cordage would lie on deck and not be able to dry out, which is often accompanied by unsightly algae formation. Or it would have to be pulled across into the cockpit and stowed there, creating tripping hazards.

This method is sometimes described as unseaworthy, as the safety catch on the railing can come loose in heavy swell or cause wakes. However, it is very easy to learn, quick to apply and should only be used when leaving the boat, i.e. not at sea. Before a harbour manoeuvre or unfurling the genoa, it is essential to clear the relevant lines. But this applies to all lines anyway.

Lay the shot coil over the railing. There is a little too much rope for this method. Another advantage: as there is a lot of rope at the end, it does not drag on deck if large bays have been laid
Photo: YACHT/N. Günter

Hang up the waistband

This is one of the most common methods of securing a shot fret. For the sake of clarity, only simple bights have been used here; however, this and all other methods are suitable for any type of fret, whether figure eights or bights.

Keep about two bay lengths of the loose part and run it around the waistband from bottom to top
Photo: YACHT/N. Günter

Simple and quick to secure

This method is well-suited for unhooking the waistband, but not so much for stowing it away. As the securing device is quite simple, it can come loose when moving, for example in a swell.

Take a bight from the waistband, in the case of a very thick waistband a double bight, i.e. drop a bight
Photo: YACHT/N. Günter

Secure the waistband for stowing away

If a coil is to be stowed away horizontally, it is usually the mooring lines that have been hauled in after casting off. They are often simply thrown into the forecastle boxes or anchor locker. As it is better not to add open ropes to this heaving, the shot up bundles must be well secured.

Method 1

Here the waistband is finally secured with half hitches. After wrapping the loose part, make a half hitch and tighten. If this knot seems durable enough, it is enough and the waistband can be stowed away
Photo: YACHT/N. Günter

Method 2

With this method, the loose part is moved around the fret two to four times, as shown above
Photo: YACHT/N. Günter


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