What is the Cleat Hitch (Halyard) used for?

Securing the halyard of a hoisted sail to a cleat at the foot of the mast; Tying off the flagpole halyard after raising a flag or pennant; Securing halyards on dinghies, kayaks, or small sailboats while underway; Holding hoisting lines during nautical activities for Pathfinders and sea scouts; Temporarily locking off any line that needs to be released quickly.

How do you tie the Cleat Hitch (Halyard)?

The Cleat Hitch for a halyard is the correct way to secure the line that hoists a sail, flag, or yard to a mast cleat. It locks firmly under load, yet releases in seconds when you need to lower quickly — essential on a deck or at the mast. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Cleat Hitch (Halyard) hard to tie?

The Cleat Hitch (Halyard) is rated easy, in the Hitches category and is taught with a photo at every stage on Desbravai.

What precautions apply when using the Cleat Hitch (Halyard)?

Don't overwrap or over-lock it: a halyard under heavy load can jam and make an emergency lowering difficult; A single locking half hitch is enough to hold; loops pulled too tight can bind under tension; Always check that the last turn has actually caught before letting go of the line.

Cleat Hitch (Halyard)

Q: What other names does the Cleat Hitch (Halyard) have?

It is also known as Cleat Hitch (Halyard), Halyard Cleat Hitch, Vuelta de cornamusa (driza), Amarre a cornamusa, Volta de cunho, Volta na cornamusa, Cleat Hitch. (ABOK #1594)

Secures the halyard (the line that hoists a sail or flag) to a cleat firmly, yet lets it go in seconds

Also called: Cleat Hitch (Halyard), Halyard Cleat Hitch, Vuelta de cornamusa (driza), Amarre a cornamusa, Volta de cunho, Volta na cornamusa, Cleat Hitch · ABOK #1594

What it is for

Securing the halyard of a hoisted sail to a cleat at the foot of the mast
Tying off the flagpole halyard after raising a flag or pennant
Securing halyards on dinghies, kayaks, or small sailboats while underway
Holding hoisting lines during nautical activities for Pathfinders and sea scouts
Temporarily locking off any line that needs to be released quickly