Hi - I'm Chris, volunteer. Now I'm a relative new comer to the world of knots. I've had two years of learning knots for climbing. But now I'm on the Esperanza I'm getting into new realms: the four dimensions of the bowline (for starters), not to mention the double fisherman's. There is the left, the right, the forward and the backward and then you get into the fancy worlds of the double, on the bite and more.

Let me explain my new find. A rope is thrown to you, the other end is attached to say a boat. Catching it in your left hand you have to tie a loop that will hold this craft and it all depends on you. Tie that bowline. Take the working end then place it on top, twist making the loop, end to the outside, round the back and through the loop. Et voila. You have your knot!

It's a lot easier written than done, particularly as I'm left handed. It's called a bird's nest. I must practice! The left hand works a treat, the eyes are closed and I've got movement.

Initially the story my tutors relate to explain the motion needed - of the rabbit in the hole coming up, around some trees, then down the hole - but it fogs the old grey matter. So I'm advised this is to be put aside and to think instead about the granny knot - push, flipping the loop round the back and through the loop. Simplicity. Again the other side, only pull, and hey presto there you have it. It's a bowline!

Now a paradigm shift. The four major dimensions according to bowline. No rabbits and holes, no trees and running back down. Left, right, forward and back. Oh look the sun has just come out from behind the clouds...

Chris, Volunteer