Main Halyard (using hitch)

If you are unable to pull the main to the top of the mast or it keeps on slipping down after a bit of sailing, or even if you have never noticed the main not at the top, then try this method of tying the main off. Beware though that the top of the halyard still needs to be checked for wear as extra load is put on the halyard itself.

With the mainsail not at the top of the mast means the sail will be down resulting in you not able to pull as much cunningham and kicker on. This fact in turn prevents you from controlling the boat in the weather conditions and you getting annoyed!

Make a slip knot. Pull the main to the top of the mast and create a slip knot loop. [I would call this a lorry hitch: ed]

Pass tail from the loop round the hook part of the cleat.

 Pass the tail round the hook on the cleat...
Pass the tail through the slip knot...

Pass the tail from the cleat through the loop.

Make sure you don't pull all of the tail through the loop.

Cleat the loaded part of the tail that has come from the loop.

After the cleat, pass the loose tail round the side of the cleat so it doesn't uncleat.

To untie the halyard, uncleat it, pull the tail end of the halyard, and pull VERY sharply to undo the loop.

 Cleat the loaded part of the tail from the slip knot.