I assume that what Alistair is being coy about is a loop on one end of the line and a thickened bit on the other; both braided into the line with the aid of a marlin spike (a pointy tool used to separate the strands) They are made by unbraiding the line (rope to you lubbers) and then reweaving it using aformentioned spike. 'Whipping' is wrapping the end of the rope with thin cord to keep it from fraying or unraveling.
Sailing is soooo much more fun to talk about if you DON'T know what the words mean: Boomvang; luffing; in irons; close/beam/broad reach; running free; wing on wing.
Here's some tips for beginners: "Hard-alee" means "duck your head"; "Jibe ho!" means "duck fast and stay down", if someone hand you the jib halyard and asks you to pull the pin, DON'T, whatever you do, let go of the main part, unless you want to learn to climb the mast.
Blessings
Barbara, who never thought she'd find a use for all this arcane sailing terminology.