On deck everyone needs to know what they are doing in order to sail fast and, above all, safely.
On deck everyone needs to know what they are doing...
Bowman
Runs the foredeck, is involved in most manoeuvres during racing, calls the distance to the start line and can be seen climbing out to the end of the spinnaker pole. The bowman gets colder and wetter more often than anyone else. This is the high adrenaline, all-action role on the boat.
Mid bow
Backs up the bowman, prepares the sails ready for the hoist and is involved with all sail changes. Anticipates what those in the cockpit are doing and what the bowman needs. Imagine being on a rollercoaster while icy water is thrown in your face – that’s mid bow.
Mastman
Passes communication from the cockpit to the bow, hoists the sails, works the grinder, grunts, sweats, lifts, carries – never complains. The hired muscle – with added intellect.
Snake pit
The person in the snake pit (so called because of the number of ropes that live there) makes everything happen. They control the halyards and anticipate the needs of the bowman, mid bow and mastman. Great organisationally, always calm under pressure, excellent multi-taskers who can do ten things at once. Guess who are the naturals in the snake pit?
Grinder
The powerhouse. The grinders control the sheets, trimming the sails with every wind shift and every course alteration. They work the grinder, which turns the winches, which pulls the sheets (ropes) which alter the shape of the sail. They are the people you see, hands on their knees and faces bright red after every tack.
Trimmer
Concentration is the most valuable quality in a trimmer. Their eyes are locked on the sails as they pass orders to the grinders as they constantly fine tune the sails to wring out every last knot of speed from the boat. The constant grinding in and easing out makes the most of every change in wind speed and direction.
Helm
In constant communication with everyone on deck, anticipating boat movement, waves, wind, and doing everything they can to keep the boat moving quickly. They need to be at one with the boat and with the ocean. Excellent helmsmen combine strength, a lightness of touch, concentration and anticipation.