Many people use a shackle or some other attachment for a halyard, but there are many reasons why it might be better to attach the halyard with a knot. A knot is simpler, and simple is good, especially ...

Mainsails: On small boats it is common to attach the main halyard to the main via a half hitch style knot, or even a dog bone. Because the halyard comes down one side of the headboard rather than ...