If there's one thing that separates an 'Old Salt' from the rest of us, it's his or her ability to tie the left handed upside-down crown half-fangled wonder knot in a force ten with a following sea!  Knots are one of the currencies of wisdom, and there's nothing more impressive for a young yachtsman than to see the wide range of useful knots tied well by an experienced yachtsman or woman.

But Des Pawson goes one further.  His little book 'Knot Craft' is a gem.  Des Pawson's personal ropecraft recipies contains projects ranging from bellropes, key fobs and fenders to mats, doorstops, knife lanyards and belts.  He gives step by step instructions on how to put these knots together to form the finished article.  So the next time a guest steps on board your yacht and comments on the beautiful bell rope, or the wonderful sisal fender, you can say nonchelantly: 'Yes, I knocked that up over the winter'.

A great buy, and a fun present.

Des Pawson's Knot Craft is publishec by A & C Black ISBN 978 1 408 11949 5 price £10.00