Having Problems Splicing?
by Ann Penny 29 Oct 2022 16:18 BST
26 October 2022
An easy answer is to get Ian Turnbull from Ropes4Boats to come and show you how it's done.
Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club did just that, with 12 participants having a great night learning not only about ropes and their different attributes, but also the tools needed, as well as when and where to use different splices.
With Wednesday evening racing finished, the Club Room became a classroom on Wednesday 26th October. Ian had laid out a selection of Kingfisher ropes and the necessary tools to splice for each person. After talking about the merits of each rope, he skilfully guided everyone through the art of splicing.
Starting with an 'eye splice', then a 'tapered splice', followed by a 'continuous splice' and finally a 'diamond knot' - a shackle knot. Ian carefully explained when to use the different splices to his audience of Skiff, Waszp, Laser and GP14 sailors.
He also explained how to use Dyneema to 'sew' and mark rope, an especially useful to skiff sailors to achieve settings quickly.
The evening was certainly informative but also great fun, with everyone proudly going away with their spliced rope.
Thanks to Ian Trotter for organising.
Ian Turnbull can be contacted at www.rope4boats.co.uk or by email