Extend rope life with proper coiling and regular end-to-ends

Taking proper care of your ropes is key to extending their life.

- Charly Hewett

The first thing you'll need to do is make sure you store them properly. Some skippers insist on coiling with big ‘0’ shaped hoops, others demand figures of ‘8’. Still others don't care as long as it’s tidy, but which approach is best for the rope?

For 3-strand ropes, which are twisted by nature, coiling them into large loops and giving each turn a slight twist of the wrist helps maintain their structure and prevent tangles. This method reinforces the natural twist of the rope, keeping it in good condition.