Tight on a Bowline

History and practicality of a bowline!
 

Historically the bowline is known as the King of Knots and examples have been found on early Egyptian vessels. In English it is easy to see that the words components bow and line must have had some practical purpose. Most knot enthusiast agree that the knot was used to keep the forward edge of a square sail as far forward as possible towards the bow on the windward side of the ship. The line of course refers to the rope itself. What do tall ships find most difficult? 

What makes the bowline so ideal for this job? The problem of a knot on the leading edge of sail is that should the sail start to flap it can shake loose.

And shake that sail will if the wind goes further to windward or the helmsman steers up into the wind too much. The shake is not a little affair, a shaking sail can easily knock you over or damage the rigging  and a shaking rope can give you a very serious injury!

Part of any sail handling exercise onboard Classic Sailing vessels makes sure that crew are not put in danger of flapping sails and flogging ropes. The Bowline will not come undone as long as it is in tension. The tighter the rope the more it locks up!

Have you ever tried to undue a knot that has been pulled so tight it locks up on itself, you need to get a marlin spike to it and even then it can take a long time. Not so with a bowline, as long as the tension has b een taken out of the rope and it’s good and slack you can undue it easily by breaking its back, see photo below. So it is very important when setting up your bowline on the leading edge of a square sail to haul the rope tight so that it is always under tension.

Remember a bowline won’t come undone when it’s working and under tension.

NEW Antarctic Expeditions

Bark Europa Centennial Expedition – Charting New Territory
A very special adventure in Antarctic waters to celebrate Barque Europa's 100th Birthday. The voyage is unique because Europa will spend quite some time sailing against the prevail westerly wind and will need to practice the art of sailing "Tight on a Bowline".

Can you imagine how proud her builders would have been to learn that 100 years after she was built Europa is not only going strong but heading to the Antarctic as a magnificent square rigger, crewed by adventurous guest voyagers.

Europa is a true ocean wanderer with several hundred thousand miles under her belt. She has been exploring South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula for 7 years and has built up a considerable expertise in this challenging but rewarding wilderness. More recently she has been exploring the Antarctic on the Weddell Sea side of the Peninsula, but this voyage will be charting new territory for Europa and her crew.

If you want to take part in an epic voyage with a real sense of an expedition, then this is a unique experience to be seized. There is a chance, subject to the weather of course, that we may be able to make a landing in the South Orkney's which will be a very rare privilege. Any remote island baggers out there may not want to miss this amazing opportunity.

The voyage dates also take in Christmas and New Year, and a great many of Europa's past customers have been waiting for this voyage to be announced and open for reservations, so don't leave it too late to book.

CENTENNIAL EXPEDITION: 10th December 2011- 12th Jan 2012
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Southern Ocean & Weddell Sea - South Orkney - Antarctica - Ushuaia

New Trans Atlantic Voyages
If you prefer your ocean sailing with less ice then HOT OFF THE PRESS are tall ship Europa's ocean voyage legs from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere starting on 14th September 2011. There is plenty of blue water sailing, warm trade winds and if you sail all the way you will cross both the Equator and be able to claim a Trans Atlantic passage to Brazil and right down the coast of South America.
 
The legs are Rotterdam - Vigo - Las Palmas, Canaries - Salvador, Brazil - Montevideo, Uruguay and the Falklands for the start of Europa's special Antarctic season.  See dates and prices below.

Ocean 'Rites of Passage' on a Square Rigger
If you cross an ocean on a real square rigger as crew, you can impress the grandchildren (or anyone else if you are somewhat younger !) - without getting a tattoo to mark your rite of passage from greenhorn to true ocean sailor. We can always take a photo of your 'crossing the line' ceremony with King Neptune if you chose the Trans Atlantic leg to Brazil.

If you are about to start a career break, GAP year or round the world travel odyssey then think how cool it would be to travel between continents under sail. Read our web pages on what it is like to spend continous days on the open ocean and why it is invigorating for the soul and rarely boring. It is a completely different way of life - but you are still busy with ship routine, your own projects and the various social dramas and events.

Last Chance Canary Islands
Bessie Ellen has some places left on her last voyage in the Canary Islands. Here are some the comments we have had this winter.

Excitement and participation without responsibility; as far away from it all as you can ever get. Relaxing and sociable. Jane J

Exceeded Expectations, Roger M and Peter W

Seeing whales for the first time. The sailing. The scenery, especially exploring La Gomera. Meeting new people. The food was amazing. Penny A

Nikki runs her ship with the safety and needs of the guests as of paramount importance. She and her crew are highly professional. Phil Cogdell, Skipper Annabel J

Most memorable for being amongst sperm whales for the first time despite having been at sea many time before. Peter S

Bessie Ellen was brilliant. Small enough to feel the spray, big enough not to bang my head! Neil G (Neil is well over 6ft tall and has sailed on Eve of St Mawes that has a couple of head problems for Neil.)

Excellent, enjoyable, fun excellent. Dan R
Relaxing and absolute freedom. Michele B

BE108 Monday 7th to Monday Tenerife via La Gomera and Las Palma back to Tenerife. 7 days for only £399

Island Hopping in the Azores

Nine lush emerald islands, ranging from the smallest- Corvo with 300 inhabitants to San Miguel with 150.000 inhabitants, warmed by the Gulf Stream and surrounded by an ocean teeming with life.

If this island group was nearer mainland Europe it would be a very popular sailing ground, but the remoteness of this archipelago just East of the Mid Atlantic ridge means you have anchorages and the smaller ports virtually to yourselves and the local fishing boats.

Most  islands are within easy reach from each other in a day’s sailing.

BE110 Azores Islands and Wild Life Watching Adventure.
Monday 28th March to Monday 4th April. 7 Days for only £699

Easter and Springtime Voyages

Look forward to getting some fresh air the March and April. There are some excellent short breaks in March on Annabel J in the Solent, handy for those living in the South East. Easter and April on Eve of St Mawes and Annable J have some vacancies left but the RYA Courses are full.

Spring short Breaks

Scotland

Lizzie May's voyages in Scotland are nearly all full and Bessie Ellen is filling up fast. There is no better way to see the Western Isles of Scotland than from a traditional pilot cutter or tall ship. Its the combination of beautiful boats in stunning scenery.

Scotland Mini Brochure

Tight on a Bowline - whatever you sail on, wherever you sail, Classic Sailing hopes you have an exciting, relaxing, sociable time, and maybe you can use a bowline knot to real advantage.