Bowlines are easy to learn if you use the right technique for learning: 1. Get a length of rope and tie one end around a tree or pole using any old knot you can. 2. Grasp the loose end with your left hand about 3 feet from the end, using your thumb and two fingers to hold the rope (thumb on top). 3. Next, grasp the rope just below your left hand with your right thumb and two fingers. 4. Now move your right thumb and fingers up, forward and to the left, forming a loop. 5. Grasp the newly formed loop with your left thumb and two fingers, freeing up your right hand for other duties. 6. Now for some new terminology: the portion of the rope tied to the tree just above your left hand is called "the tree". The loop is called the "hole", and the free end of the rope is called the "rabbit". And instead of a bowline, it is called "the rabbit knot." 7. Now put the rabbit (free end) around your waist, and grasp it with your right thumb and two fingers. 8. Now, make the rabbit (free end) come up and out of the hole, go around (under) the tree from right to left, and then back down the hole. 9. Tighten the knot, and you have a rabbit knot, or bowline, one of the most useful knots you will ever learn. My grandkids love the rabbit knot. In the configuration you now have, with it around your waist, it would be great for someone to pull you out of a hole, since the knot will not slip and tighten around your waist. If you left enough rope in the loop, you could even sit on it to be hauled out. Try tying it like this about 25 times, and then you will know it well enough to use in regular sailing configurations. Hope this helps! Jerry Renno wd4mph@yahoo.com Sea Pearl 21, hull #31 --- dmostue@comcast.net wrote:

First, thanks all for weighing in on the 'smell' issue. I will be replacing the hatch and cushions this weekend and that will probably tone down if not eliminate the smell. I feel more comfortable knowing others have experienced it with their boats.

The big news is I have rigged my M15 for the first time with the help of the very able Mr. Bones (thanks again Bones). That was a thrill! everything seemed in good shape and the only things missing are the main sheet and a batten in the main sail. We stole one of the reefing lines (I think that's what it was) to use as a temporary main sheet. Bones assured me that all was well and in good shape. I'm pretty excited.

Bud, if your monitoring this list, she looked real sweet all rigged up. I remember last fall when I bought the boat from you being a little overwhelmed with all the "stuff" this little boat has and doubting that I really wanted to do this sailing thing. You told me not to be overwhelmed, that it would all get sorted and be ok. Well after today I'm feeling pretty good about my purchase.

Much more to do. I need to get this boat in the water! I need to learn how to tie a #@#*&^% bowline. I need to go to bed.

later, Dan M15 #500

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