By Dick Hein, AMYA Treasurer

Here is a little knot trick I have been using for years any time I need a slip knot connection (most connections). As an example, we can use a loop of line to connect the luff of the main to the mast. Pass the line around the mast and through a hole in the sail. Holding one side of the line straight, loop the other side around the straight side, then pass the end through the loop. When this little knot is tightened, it will slide on the straight end. For your mast loop, adjust the loop to the desired luff gap and lock the knot with a drop of glue. When you keep this knot under tension, it maintains a good lock, but releases easily when tension is removed.