Knot

This is a pendant my husband bought me, circa 1989. It's a silver 'Bowline'.

In the late 1980s before we had children we owned a sailing boat. Technically it was a small yacht but that sounds a bit grand. I don't know why I allowed myself to be persuaded to buy it; although I enjoy being beside the water I can't swim so getting on and off was always scary as was being out in open water.

However, we attended evening classes and qualified as Day Skippers with the Royal Yacht Association and I proved quite adept at navigation. Knots were also part of the curriculum, including the Bowline. This is a very simple knot and is supposed to be easy to both tie and untie, especially after being subjected to a load.

Fortunately, the tutor at evening classes failed to recognise me; she was an old school teacher who had taught me biology 12 years earlier. I think if she'd known who I was she would probably have pushed me overboard.