So, What is This Figure 8 Coil?

I had been sailing for a while, coiling lines the “usual” way.  Then, a friend introduced me to the figure 8 coil.  It’s pretty much as it sounds — the line is coiled in a figure 8 pattern.  By now, you may be asking yourself why you should care about this.

In a regular coil, it is easy for the loops to shift and get tangled with each other (think bad knots, twists and kinks that don’t help the boat go fast).  In a figure 8 coil, the wraps are built up in a way that one coil is separated from the next.

I use the figure 8 coil especially for lines that need to stay coiled for an extended time, but need to run easily and freely when the time comes.  Regularly, I’ll use the figure 8 to coil reefing lines or spare halyards that are not used often.  They are kept in pockets at the side of the companion way.  I know that they will be ready to run — even if they’ve been in the pocket for hours during the middle of an overnight race.  This type of coil will stay intact longer; even when it’s just dropped onto the sole of the boat.

Here are some pictures to show what I’m talking about here:

The beginning of a coil made the "usual" way.

Accumulating wraps on a "usual" coil.

Lots of wraps on a "usual" coil.

The start of a figure 8 coil.

Accumulating wraps on a figure 8 coil.

See how the wraps are separated from each other (less likely to get tangled).

Accumulating more wraps on a figure 8 coil.

Lots of wraps on a figure 8 coil.

See the separation from wrap to wrap - even as the coil gets bigger.