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Binnacle

This binnacle rail covering was a gift for the outgoing King Harbor Yacht Club Catalina 30 fleet captain

Ship's Wheel

The leather covering topped off by a black Turk’s Head knot. S/V Independence, Coronado Cays Yacht Club

Ship's Wheel

Cockscombing with Turk’s Head ends wheel cover. M/V Maison Deux, Coronado Cays Yacht Club

Handholds

Coachwhipping with Turk’s Head ends. This is a sample made with cotton twine

Binnacle

Binnacle grabrail coachwhipping with Turk’s Head ends. King Harbor Yacht Club circa 1995

Table Base

Table bases covered with a French spiral covering. Coronado Cays Yacht Club

Handhold

Tiller cover, Catalina 30. Saint Mary hitching. Cannoli Mia, Coronado Cays Yacht Club

Binnacle

Binnacle rail covered along the top with grafting, coachwhipping along each side with Turk’s Heads. S/V Kimo, Los Angeles Yacht Club

Binnacle

One of my first binnacle covers. Cockscombing with Turk’s Heads, cotton twine circa 1994 Dana Point Harbor

Boarding steps

Boarding steps using Cockscombing, French spiral, and Turk’s Heads with canvas sides. M/V Grace, Coronado Cays Yacht Club

Mast Hoop

Rope grommet covered in leather. I made these as mast hoops for a small sailboat

Flat work/mats

Celtic cross. If you look close you will notice that this was tied with one piece of line. I had the pleasure to make gold ones for my aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary. Each pass represented one of their kids

handhold

Another image of the Strong Back handhold made with grafting and Turk’s Heads for S/V Kimo, Los Angeles Yacht Club

Candle

The ubiquitous Monkey's Fist knot was used to create the candle.

Handhold

Strong Back handhold using grafting in cotton twine.

Binnacle

Binnacle rail covered with overhand grafting. S/V Off Piste, Coronado Cays Yacht Club

Rudder Position

Turk’s Head knot to show rudder position on wheel

Ship's Wheel

Leather wheel cover on S/V Independence, Coronado Cays Yacht Club

Flat work/mats

Simple rope mat

Binnacle

Binnacle rail covered along the top with grafting, Coachwhipping along each side with Turk’s Heads

Candles

I created a series of candles from molds of knots including a classic Monkey's Fist.

Candle

Candle holder with Turk’s Head knot base and a Grommet around the top

Boarding Steps

Boarding steps in progress using Cockscombing, French spiral and Turk’s Heads with canvas sides

Grab Handle

Stainless steel covered with leather and Turk’s Heads

Table Leg

Saint Mary hitching, Coronado Cays Yacht Club

Sunglasses

Before and after: replaced the leather around the temples

Grab Handle

Close up deatil of SV Grace's boarding steps.

Grab Handle

Close up deatil of SV Grace's boarding steps

Grab Handle

Stainless steel covered with leather and Turk’s Heads

Paddle

The Coronado Cays Yacht Club and Southwestern Yacht Club battle it out via thier annual "Battle for the Paddle" Bocce tournament.

Needle Case

A stylish way to store needles for sailmaking and such.

Cat o' 9 Tails

Commonly shortened to "the cat,"" this was a type of multi-tailed flail designed for severe physical punishment, notably in the Royal Navy and British Army.

Pole

A decorative pole on the sun deck of "Grace".

Boarding Ladder

Another view of the various grab surfaces of this boarding ladder.

Pole

A close shot of the ropework on an interior pole.

The Fancy Knots of Capt. Darrell McNurlan

I have enjoyed the art of knot tying for the past 25 years and have been asked to adorn yachts with fancy work (decorative knots/the art of the sailor). For centuries the only thing a sailor had to work with was rope, canvas and wood and in their idle time they used these materials to make personal items.

For a long time now I've' tried to think of ways to bring this traditional sailor’s art to more people and now offer as many designs and styles as I can to enhance any boats, home or garden. I hope that you will find the art of the sailor as defined in the rope work displayed in these pictures as fascinating as I do.

Piloting 100%

Yacht Delivery 100%

Knot Tying100%

Canvas Sewing 75%

Candle Making 75%

Bocci Ball 90%

Let’s talk

If you or someone you know would appreciate having the art of the sailor as part of their décor, please contact me.

Say Hello,

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