Jute ropes in sailing

6 september 2023r.

Jute rope is made from jute stalks - a tropical plant that is grown in humid and hot climates in African and Asian countries. Jute fibers are long and strong, so they are perfect for making ropes. Jute rope is durable, flexible, resistant to weather conditions, such as the sun and high humidity. Its significant advantage is also biodegradability. Due to these properties, it is commonly used as a sailing rope. What exactly can it be used for while sailing? 

Sailing jute rope for stringing rigging and reefing sails

Sailing jute rope is commonly used to control rigging on sails. It is often used to make sheets of sails, in other words, ropes whose task is to control the position of the sails along the line of stability. Jute sailing ropes work well in this role due to their flexibility. This feature has a positive effect on the ability to maneuver the sails. The rough structure of the ropes is also important, which guarantees a strong grip and reduces the risk of slipping. Jute rope also works well when reefing sails, i.e. reducing their surface. Jute sailing rope enables safe and - what is important - precise reefing of sails during changing weather conditions.

Jute mooring ropes

A common use of jute ropes in sailing is to use them as mooring ropes. Many of its features make it perfect for this task. It is durable and resistant to tearing and stretching. An additional advantage is the resistance of the jute sailing rope to weather conditions. It can be successfully used for mooring both on land and in water. An important feature in terms of the mooring process is also the flexibility of the jute rope.

Sailing jute ropes - decorative possibilities

Jute sailing ropes are visually attractive. They bring to mind traditional sailing. Therefore, even if the rigging of the sails is made of synthetic ropes, you can often see decorative knots made of jute sailing ropes on boats. This type of rope is also used to make decorative elements of deck equipment. Jute rope enjoys unflagging popularity in terms of sailing decorations, due to its fashionable, natural look and ecological dimension.

Jute ropes - seat belts and carrying luggage

Jute sailing ropes, due to their natural strength and roughness, can be used to create the so-called boat seat belts. Just select the rope of the appropriate length, pull it through the special handle on the deck, and then lead it through the protection on the life jacket. Both ends of the rope are best secured with a double knot. This form of seat belts ensures the safety of sailors and passengers. Before attaching the sailing rope, make sure that it has no mechanical damage. Jute sailing ropes are also great for transporting luggage. Handles are made of them, which are helpful when transporting anchors and mooring ropes.

Temporary repairs

Even if the rigging of the boat is made of synthetic ropes, it is worth having a supply of jute rope on board. Jute rope is durable, flexible and relatively cheap. In the event of a failure of the mooring rope, rigging or deck equipment, the jute rope can be used to repair or even completely replace the defective element. A supply of sailing jute rope should be placed on each deck.

Impregnation of jute ropes

Impregnation of jute ropes is very important from the point of view of the use of ropes in sailing. Appropriate saturation of the jute rope with a specialized preparation protects it against the harmful effects of weather conditions (especially high humidity), as well as against rotting and mould. Impregnation of lithium ropes can be done on your own by immersing the rope in a suitable impregnant and then drying it. Impregnated jute rope becomes more flexible, durable, resistant to moisture, and its fire resistance increases. It is worth noting that the color of the jute rope after impregnation becomes darker.