Why Measuring in Knots

[Korsan]

Hi Dear Members
You've probably heard the term "knots" relating to the speed of a ship, but where did it come from originally? Here's everything we know about it. Source: SlashGear https://search.app/Q92VWri5xheCqtf96

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[Jimsky]

Ships use knots because it's a direct way to measure speed using distances that make sense on the sea and charts. It’s tradition, it’s functional, and it sounds way cooler than "miles per hour.

Why Knots?
The term knot comes from an old method of measuring a ship's speed using a "log line":

1. Sailors would throw a wooden board (called a chip log) over the ship's stern, which was attached to a long rope.
2. This rope had knots tied at regular intervals—usually every 47 feet and 3 inches (based on nautical mile calculations).
3. As the ship moved, the rope would pay out, and they’d count how many knots passed through their hands in a set time, often 28 seconds (using a sandglass).
4. The number of knots let out = the speed of the ship in nautical miles per hour. Why Nautical Miles?
   Because nautical miles are based on the Earth’s geometry, 1 nautical mile equals one minute of latitude on the globe. Super handy for navigation at sea!

So, 1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour (about 1.1508 mph or 1.852 km/h).

 

[AndyA]

... and the results from using the log line were written down in the log book, which became known as the ship's log. Fair winds!

 

[Pat H]

Woe to any underling who lets the spool slip from his hands while taking the speed.