beaufortnc wrote:
The stunsail tackbend looks a lot like a clove hitch.

Different knot, same name - or is it a different knot?

Thanks,

Mike.

Yes, it is a clove hitch. However, usually when a clove is used to
form a loop, it is usually called "two half hitches" and the second
hitch is tied outside of the first. On the stunsail tackbend, the
second hitch is inside the first, so when its tightened, it is bound
in securely.

In addition to this binding property, it also can be tightened up
remotely since it will slide up the line until the loop is reduced.
I've been told that this property was used in setting a stunsail (the
extra sail to the side a the main course on a ship), and hence the name.

The stunsail is a bit counter-intuitive - anyone trying it will do
two halfhitches instead. It takes a special effort to put the hitches
in the correct order.