Is that it? One-minute guide to splicing with David Mossman of Marlow Ropes

David Mossman presents the Marlow Rope-Show during TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show 2018 © Mark Jardine

With modern ropes, in many instances, knots are a thing of the past. 50% of a polyester rope's strength is lost in a knot and this rises to a staggering 70% in a Dyneema® rope. There really is no excuse now not to learn how to splice.

We spoke to David Mossman of Marlow Ropes who demonstrated just how easy it is to do your first splice, as he shows below:

It's often the adults who are still tying knots, as David explains: "I think the kids are comfortable with it as their boats are covered in 12-strand Dyneema® in pre-spliced units, but they're working out quickly that they can make them themselves - it's their parents quite often who are putting knots in things. The evolution of Dyneema® has really only happened in the mass-market over the past decade, so adults haven't grown up with it.

"We're getting out there and doing more teaching with the Marlow Rope-Shows at sailing clubs throughout the country, raising awareness and educating people about modern ropes and how to splice."

So, get the most out of your rope and learn to splice! Details on the dates and venues of the Marlow Rope-Shows can be found here.

If you can't make any of the Marlow Rope-Shows, then take a look at Marlow's Splicing Guide here.

Marlow Rope-Show Education Workshops at the Volvo Gill Optimist British National and Open Championships - photo © Marlow Ropes