There is some debate as to the antiquity of "Haul on the Bowline."
The line continued in use until after the end of the great age of sail, in the 1870's, when crew sizes and sail sizes were reduced.

The line was used to keep the leading edge of the square sails on the main mast, especially the main course, as close to the wind as possible. It is still in use on training ships and replica ships although its use is less critical to the efficiency of the more modern rigs.