Splicing Modern Ropes : A Practical Handbook

The definitive guide to making strong, reliable splices in braided rope, using step-by-step photographs and clear instructions to help readers master this important but tricky skill.

For any seafarer, splicing rope is an essential skill. But the traditional 3-strand rope is fast disappearing. So how do you splice braided rope?

This is the ultimate guide to this crucial knowledge. Most of the techniques are easy to master – and also fun to do. See why splices are better – and stronger – than knots or shackles for joining or shortening rope, and follow the photographs and steps to find out how to splice efficiently.

In this fully updated second edition, you will learn how to:
· Select ropes in the materials that best suit your on-board requirements
· Customise your ropes to make your setup easier and safer
· Optimise your deck layout and save weight on board
· Taper your sheets for ease of handling
· Splice an extra cover on your ropes to give better grip in clutches, avoid chafe and make them last longer

While a knot can reduce the strength of a rope by as much as 50%, a well-spliced rope loses only 5–10%. The techniques, insights and suggestions within these pages will be invaluable to all boaters, whether recreational or commercial. This refreshed new edition has been updated to take in to account developments in fibre technology and includes new splicing techniques and updated photography.

Jan-Willem Polman is a sailor, entrepreneur and mechanical engineer who specialises in
synthetics technology. From 2008 to 2010 he sailed around the world with his wife and
two young children. After that, he gave up corporate life and devoted himself to being an
entrepreneur. He is currently the head of several watersports companies that specialise in ropes. He organises workshops and courses about splicing modern ropes. He also developed the D-Splicer needles that are used widely by sailors and riggers.