Drawings of knots and rope items together with an explanatory text cover the basics of marlinspike seamanship.

The perfect shipboard reference, this volume is packed with useful "hands-on" information: sailor's tools, basic knots, and useful hitches; handsewing and canvas work; dozens of other topics. Over 100 illustrations.

2012 Reprint of 1952 Edition. Exact facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. "Knowledge of marlinspike seamanship is what distinguishes the true seaman from the man who merely ventures upon the water. No one can become a skipper, or should aspire to that distinction, who has not mastered knots, palm and needle work, and the making of small objects on board as necessary. In fact the few required knots, hitches or bends should be so well known that they can be tied blindfolded or in the dark....The greatest single value of this work is the amazing clarity he achieves in his drawings. He has set a new standard for all time. Rope is a difficult subject to draw. Like the sea itself, it changes its appearance constantly"-From the Forward.

This classic is organized as follows: Making Rope Behave Knot, Bend or Hitch? Anyone Can Splice The Short Splice The Long Splice The Stowage of Rope How to Lay Up a Grommet Whippings The Heaving Line Some Notes on Seizing Worming, Parceling and Serving The Running Turk’s Head The Star Knot The Tack Knot The Lanyard Knot Matthew Walker’s Knot A Simple Rope Mat Ladder Mat and Block Mat A Russian or Walled Mat A Sword Mat A Rope Ladder with a New Twist Plaited Sennits Crown Sennits Rope Handles Coach whipping Grafting, Pointing and Hitching Cockscombing The Sea Chest Deadeyes and Lanyards Decorative Wall Bag Tom Crosby’s Ditty Sox The Rigger’s Little Helper Wooden Bilge Pumps Palm and Needle Practice The Ditty-Bag The Sea Bag The Bell Rope Wooden Cleats Rope Fenders Stropped Blocks Canvas Deck Bucket Rigging a Jackline Sail Stop Bag Some Notes on the Use of “Taykles” A Lanyard for a Cannon The Catboat Race Making a Mast Boot The Water Jug Registration Numbers Art and Yacht Design Synthetic Fibers and Their Characteristics

Sailors have used ditty bags to carry sewing equipment, toiletries, and other small items for centuries, and now The Ditty Bag Book teaches modern-day sailors the art form of hand-making ditty bags to use on their own seaward travels. Master sailor Frank Rosenow provides complete, step-by-step instructions in the making of a ditty bag—from cutting material to size to decorative touches—and emphasizes the proper maintenance of rigging and sails using the items stowed in the ditty bag. Included in this handy, portable guide is additional information about the essential tools any sailor should have aboard ship, such as a clasp knife, a hand-seeming palm, beeswax, and a serving mallet. Rosenow also offers an array of advice on repairing sails, splicing, palm-and-needle whippings, chafing gear, and much more! Complete with hand drawings by the author, The Ditty Bag Book is essential for any modern-day sailor.