In mooring terminology, what does the term 'bitter end' refer to?

• A. End of the line fixed to the boat
• B. End of the line fixed to the dock
• C. Midpoint of the line
• D. Knot at the end

Answer: (A)

The term bitter end refers to the fixed end of a rope. In mooring, one end of the line is secured to the boat and stays fixed while you use the rest of the line to secure the vessel to the dock. That end is called the bitter end. The other end—the part you actively handle to make fast—is the working end. So the best description is the end tied to the boat, not the midpoint or a knot at the tip.