A KNOTTY SUBJECT

Many readers will be unaware that, a couple of decades ago, the RYA cruising syllabus still specified the ability to whip a rope’s end in a seamanlike manner. I’m sad to report that this quietly disappeared somewhere around 2003. On the whole, the system has moved sensibly with the times, looking to responsible use of electronics, acceptance of roller furling headsails and the like, but when it was announced that the ageless skill of whipping was to be set aside, I reached for the telephone.

“Just how are future generations to prevent their lines from opening up like cauliflowers?” I enquired politely, determined not to rant.

“Do as we do,” they replied. “Either tape the ends or melt them with a hot knife. In any case, there isn’t much three-strand rope on most yachts nowadays,