Which knot is used primarily in sailing for hoisting sails?

The bowline is a fundamental knot commonly used in sailing for hoisting sails because it creates a fixed loop at the end of a length of line that will not slip or come undone under load. This characteristic is essential when securing sails, as it allows for a reliable connection that can easily be untied even after being subjected to tension.

When hoisting sails, the bowline can be used to attach the sail's clew (the lower corner) to the halyard, which is the line used to raise the sail. Its stability ensures that the connection remains secure, facilitating safe and efficient sail management.

Other knots mentioned may have specific uses in various sailing contexts, but they do not serve the primary purpose of hoisting sails in the same reliable manner as the bowline. For example, the rolling hitch is more suited for securing a line to a post or another rope, while the square knot is primarily used for joining two lines of similar size. The Dutch knot is not commonly recognized in traditional sailing terminology, further solidifying the bowline's prominence for this application.