Introduction

Sail racing requires coordination among the crew, significant communication during the race, and planning.  Lots of planning.  Quite regularly, the positions on a racing sailboat are clearly identified but poorly defined.  Things happen quickly during a race -- even on a slow sailing vessel!  In order to keep everyone safe, and at the same time make sure the boat can “go fast!”, it is important that everyone understand their particular roles and responsibilities, and also understand the roles of the other players involved.  Even beyond that, though, communication is ultimately important to win any race!

This particular guide is prepared for Mystiko, a Beneteau Oceanis 40 with roller furling main and jib, flying a socked asymmetrical spinnaker with the spin tack attached to a spot on the deck (specifically, the anchor roller), with no backstay adjustment, and with most lines run to the cockpit.

This guide first identifies the roles and explains the responsibilities for each of the roles.  It then discusses what happens at each part of the race, including the start, the mark roundings, and boat direction changes.  Note that there is a “many to one” relationship between roles and people.  For example, the Tactician and the Crew Chief may be the same person, and the Port Grinder and the Starboard Trimmer may be the same person.  

Table of Contents

Introduction

Table of Contents

1. Positions

2. Nomenclature and definitions

2.1. Definitions

2.2. Points of sail

2.3. Basic racing rules

3. Responsibilities for a race

3.1. Skipper’s meeting

3.2. Configure boat

3.3. Set up sails!

3.3.1. Unfurl main sail

3.3.2. Unfurl jib

3.3.3. Test spinnaker if time permits

3.4. Arriving at the committee boat

3.5. Five minute gun

3.6. The start!

4. Now ‘yer racing!

4.1. Beating to an upwind mark

4.2. Running to a downwind mark

4.2.1 Gybing with main and jib (no spinnaker)

4.2.2 Gybing with a spinnaker

4.3. Rounding marks

4.3.1. Bear away set with a spinnaker

4.3.2. Rounding a leeward mark with a spinnaker

5. References

1. Positions

The following are positions that should be assigned before a race.  Notice that there may be a many to one relationship between the positions and the people.  That is, one person may be called upon to perform many duties.

There are three primary groups of crew, and each group is identified in a separate subsection.  These groups are the Afterguard, the Trimmers, and the Linemen.

• Afterguard.  The Afterguard are the collection of “thinkers” on the boat.  

• Skipper.  The skipper is ultimately responsible for the control and safety of the boat.  He takes inputs from the other Afterguard as well as all crew members.
• Driver.  The Driver/Helmsman is responsible for optimally driving the boat, for optimally pointing the boat in a safe manner once the Tactician and Skipper has called the direction.  There may be two assigned Drivers, a Starter, and a Racer.
• Tactician.  The Tactician is responsible for identifying the course, the way around the course, for “external factors” on the boat.
• Navigator.  The Navigator is responsible for figuring out the strategic course for the boat, including taking into account weather conditions.
• Crew chief.  The Crew Chief controls the crew positions, is responsible for safety of the crew, and for “internal factors” affecting the crew and how their jobs are going.  The crew chief is normally also the Chief Cooler Trimmer (making sure libations are available to every crew member, and the crew remains hydrated during long races), although the entire Afterguard crew should take over in this trim position when required.

• Trimmers.  Trimmers are responsible for the various sails

• Jib trimmer.  The Jib Trim is responsible for trimming the jib
• Jib grinder.  Responsible for grinding, and for releasing when changing board.
• Main Trimmer.  The Main Trimmer is responsible for keeping the main working at optimal performance at all times.  This includes the main sheet, halyard tension, outhaul, and main traveler.  The Main Trimmer must be ready to dump the main if the boat needs to go off wind -- most boats cannot be steered off wind with a close haul configured main.
• Spinnaker trimmer - responsible for trimming the spinnaker

• Spinnaker grinder - responsible for grinding, reports to Spin Trim
• Spinnaker guy - responsible for trimming the pole, reports to Spin Trim.  On an asymmetrical boat, there is no pole, so this position does not exist.  The Tack is normally controlled by the Pitman

• Lines men

• Bowman - responsible for the area in front of the mast to the bow pulpit, responsible for configuring the lines and sheets, is the “forward watch” for the helmsman during tight maneuvers such as the start and mark roundings, calls the start, is responsible for sail changes
• Mastman - responsible for the mast work, and as a backup for the Bowman
• Pitman - Controls the lines to the pit and other activities in the pit area

The minimum configuration for a safe spinnaker race on Mystiko would include at least four crew, identified as:

1. Driver- responsible for boat direction, navigation, tactical decisions
2. Main Trimmer, Pitman, grinder - responsible for the main trim (especially as a safety measure during heavy winds)
3. Jib Trimmer, Spinnaker Trimmer - Sail trimmer
4. Bowman, Runner - Raise spinnaker, furl sails

2. Nomenclature and definitions

Before the race, the Crew should have a basic understanding of the boat and rigging, safety features (such as fire extinguishers), emergency procedures (what to do in a man overboard situation, how to operate the emergency beacons and radio), and points of sail (what is a beat, what is a run?).

2.1. Definitions

The following is a collection of terms that a sailor is likely to encounter.  This is by no means comprehensive.

1. Of the boat

1. Bow, forward - the front of the boat
2. Stern, aft - the rear of the boat
3. Starboard - the right side of the boat while facing to the bow
4. Port - the left side of the boat while facing to the bow
5. Standing rigging - rigging that makes the mast stand up and that are in relatively fixed positions while sailing, to include the shrouds & spreaders, and stays
6. Running rigging - rigging that moves while sailing, used to control the sails, such as the halyards and sheets
7. Block - a “turning point” for a line on the boat, such as a pulley
8. Cleat, clutch, brake - a device to make fast a line

2. Direction changes

1. Fall off, bear away - turning away from the wind
2. Harden up, head up - turning towards the wind
3. Coming about, tacking - turning the bow through the wind
4. Gybing, jibing - turning the stern through the wind
5. Beating, working - heading to an upwind mark in a close hauled configuration
6. Running - heading to a downwind mark with the wind almost directly from the stern of the boat

3. Of the sails

1. Luff - the leading edge of the sail
2. Foot - the bottom edge of the sail
3. Leach - the trailing edge of the sail
4. Head - the top of the sail, to which the halyard is attached
5. Tack - the leading bottom tip of the sail, which is made fast to the boat
6. Clew - the trailing bottom tip of the sail, which is attached to the sheet; the clew of the main is attached to the boom, which is then attached ot the sheet
7. Sheet - controls the shape of the sail; the Working Sheet is the loaded sheet, while the Lazy Sheet is the unloaded sheet
8. Boom vang, kicker, kicking strap - pulls the boom down, which changes the shape of the mainsail by stretching the leach

2.2. Points of sail

The following diagram shows the relationship between the wind direction and the “points of sail”.  It also shows a relative idea of the sail shape at each of the points of sail.

Diagram of Wind Direction to Points of Sail^[1]

2.3. Basic racing rules

The Racing Rules of Sailing booklet is about 150 pages, and unfortunately even at 150 pages the rules are not fully comprehensive -- hence why arguments and the Protest Room exist.  

Here are a few basic rules to get you started.

1. Starboard wins.  The boat on port tack stays clear of starboard traffic.
2. Leeward wins.  The boat windward must peel away if headed up by a leeward boat.  However, the leeward boat can’t push a windward boat into an obstruction such as the coast line, but can push a sequence of windward boats into each other.
3. Ahead winds.  The boat to aft must give way to the boat ahead.  Sounds simple, but this gets complicated at mark roundings.  
4. Give room when tacking or gybing.  The boat that is underway has right of way.
5. The inside boat wins at the mark roundings
6. Don’t hit other boats!  Sounds basic, but it is better to give way even if you have the right of way than to bend metal, crack fiberglass, or hurt a crew member.  
7. Don’t hit marks!  With anything!  Don’t put your foot out to play around, don’t touch it with your hand, don’t anything.  Hitting a mark is a penalty.
8. Don’t throw anything over!  No banana peels, no apple cores, no coke cans, no paper, no plastic, no crew members.  Throwing stuff over may be a penalty, and also likely illegal.^[2]
9. Stay out of the protest room.  Even if your case is strong, you have a 50% chance of DSQ.
10. Above all else, be safe, keep hydrated, and have fun.  Keep an eye on your other crew members, who might forget this rule.

3. Responsibilities for a race

The following sections outline the responsibilities of the crew during different parts of the race.  The race starts at the Skipper’s Meeting, where the rules will be explained, start areas are identified, and the concept of the race will be discussed.

3.1. Skipper’s meeting

All members of the race crew should attend the skippers meeting

3.2. Configure boat

Bowman

1. Confirm jib sheets are run free.
2. Run the spinnaker sheets.
3. Run the tackline if necessary
4. Clip the spinnaker sheet/halyard/tackline together and make fast to some area of the bow.  

Main trimmer

1. Run main sheet free
2. Run boom vang free
3. Run main traveler lines free
4. Run Main Furl free
5. Run Outhaul free

Pitman

1. Run Spinnaker Tackline free
2. Run jib furl free

Port trim & Starboard trim

1. Set jib cars as appropriate

3.3. Set up sails!

On the travel to start, there is no reason to overwork the crew.  Yes, sails need to be trimmed, but let the crew relax.

3.3.1. Unfurl main sail

Helmsman

1. Point into wind so the crew has easy access to setting up the sails

Main trimmer & Pitman

1. Make fast the main traveler
2. Release the boomvang
3. Release the main sheet
4. Progressively release the main furl and tighten the outhaul until the sail is made

3.3.2. Unfurl jib

Helmsman

1. Point off of wind, which helps the jib unfurl.  The engine can be exhausted at this point.

Port trimmer, Port Grinder & Pitman

1. The Pitman will be progressively releasing the Jib Furl while the working sheet trimmer unfurls the sail.

3.3.3. Test spinnaker if time permits

Raise and lower the spinnaker.  There is no reason to have a surprise at the first rounding!  In a “non socked” spinnaker boat, the spinnaker tapes would be run at this point.

3.4. Arriving at the committee boat

Helmsman

1. Register with race committee by driving (sailing or motoring) by rear of committee boat, starboard side of your vessel showing

Tactician

1. Confirm course with race committee.  Plot if possible.
2. Work with team to plan for the proper sails for the entire race.  Realise, this is a plan, and if wind conditions change during the race, changes to the sails may occur.
3. Determine if the first mark rounding will result in a starboard or port spinnaker hoist
4. Determine which start pin is favored.  Communicate this determination with the crew.

3.5. Five minute gun

At the five minute gun, the crew is now “racing” and should be performing as a race crew.  The five minute gun is especially important, because the actual start is likely going to be busy -- especially if a lot of boats are on the start.  

Tactician

1. Has already determined which pin is favored, and has communicated this with the helmsman and the crew.  The goal of the crew is to get that pin.  However, depending on circumstances, the other pin may have to be used.

Helmsman

1. While working towards the favored pin, the Helmsman may determine that it is simply not safe to grab that pin -- too many boats, unsafe boats, lost time, problems with getting to that pin.  
2. Calls tacks and gybes as necessary.  

3.6. The start!

The start is a very busy time of the race.  ALL of the boats in the sequence are trying to make the start line at the same moment in time.  In comparison, the mark roundings and finish are not nearly as busy.

4. Now ‘yer racing!

4.1. Beating to an upwind mark

Beating involves tacking between starboard and port boards, as required to make the mark.

Afterguard

1. Continues to evaluate the optimal tactical direction of the boat, taking into account any strategies.  For example, is it best to bang the corners of the race course?  Best to follow the leaders?  Best to cover the followers?  Where are the shallows?  What is the wind doing up ahead?

Close hauled:  If the course is close hauled, then the sails are set and the Driver is responsible to optimally drive the boat to the sails

1. The Main Trimmer should remain in position for safety reasons.  For example, if a wind gust or wind direction changes drastically, the main sheet might need to be adjusted to allow steerage. The helmsman cannot turn away from the wind if the main sheet is close hauled.
2. All other crew are available to be on rail if necessary

Other points of sail: If the course is anything other than close hauled (reach, et al), then the Helmsman has pointed the boat and the trimmers are trimming the sails as necessary

1. The Main Trimmer works the main as necessary
2. The Leeward Trimmer & Grinder work the jib as necessary
3. All other crew are available to be on rail if necessary

Tacking

At a tack the following must occur:

1. Preparation

1. The Afterguard has decided that a Tack is appropriate.
2. The Helmsman calls ready, and waits until all crew are in position and ready for the maneuver.  The Crew Chief should be utilized to confirm all crew are ready, since the Helmsman should still be sailing the vessel.
3. The Bowman has taken position, ready to help the sail across if necessary.  On this particular boat the Jib is large and can be dangerous.  The Bowman in most cases should remain clear of the sail, but prepared to identify any problems with coming across.  If any snags occur, the Bowman should be ready to notify the afterguard.
4. The Leeward (active) grinder has run the heavy sheet, to make sure it runs clean.  This helps prevent any jams.  The Leeward trimmer is still trimming, and will be releasing the sail when appropriate.
5. The Windward trimmer and grinder are in place, ready for the tack, and have preloaded the wench.

2. Execution

1. The Helmsman calls the boat over, and changes the rudder direction.  This is sometimes called “Helm’s Alee”, which means that the tiller arm has been pulled to the Leeward side of the boat, hence causing the boat to turn into wind.
2. The Leeward trimmer holds the sail until the bow breaks through and the wind is now from the other board.  As soon as this happens, the Leeward trimmer releases the now lazy sheet completely from the wench, and calls, “Break” or some other identifyng remark so the other side trimmers can take the sail over.  The trimmer feeds the now lazy sheet to confirm nothing gets caught in the car.
3. The new Leeward trimmer takes in as much of the active sheet as possible.  Depending on wind conditions, at least one wrap on the wench is required.
4. Once the sail is brought in as much as the trimmer is able to, the Grinder takes over and grinds in until the sail is made appropriately.  Making the sail is called by the Trimmer, with assistance by the Grinder.

4.2. Running to a downwind mark

Running downwind is sometimes difficult -- especially in Florida during the summer!  When running, the apparent wind is greatly reduced, making for a sweaty endeavor.  Make sure everyone keeps hydrated, the run is normally not quite as busy.

When running, the afterguard is constantly evaluating where the other boats are, and how to maneuver for best advantage.  Especially with an asymmetrical spinnaker, where a direct downwind run is not possible, tactics are critical.

Running to a downwind mark requires jibing the boat.  The following sections describe jibing.

4.2.1 Gybing with main and jib (no spinnaker)

During a jibe with main and jib, the wind is brought from one side of the boat to the other across the stern.  The sails are also brought across the boat. The following sequence occurs

1.  Driver.  The driver turns the boat so that the wind is brought across the stern.  The driver needs to coordinate the effort with the trimmers.
2. Main trim.  The main trimmer brings the mainsail across the boat.  In heavy winds, the main trimmer needs to sheet in the main before the driver starts the turn in order to reduce the likelihood of hurting someone or damaging the boat with a crash jibe.
3. The jib trimmers work the clew across the bow.
4. The bowman helps the clew across the bow, makng sure the sail and clew do not get caught in anything like a spinnaker halyard..

4.2.2 Gybing with a spinnaker

Gybing with a spinnaker involves taking both the main and the spinnaker across the boat, to the opposite board.  Since Mystiko has a short Spinnaker pole, inside jibes are tough.  The boat is normally rigged for an outside jibe, where the Spinnaker is taken across the boat in front of the spinnaker tack.  This is different than many asymmetrical boats, where in light winds the Spinnaker could be taken across the boat between the forestay and the tack (an Inside Jibe). Timing issues between the Driver and the Spinnaker crew is reduced by configuring and executing forward (outside) jibes.

As the boat jibes

1. Driver.  The driver turns downwind to get the sail out in front of the boat, then once the clew clears the forestay (coordinating with the rest of the crew) and the belly of the sail is out in front of the spreaders, the driver eases into the other board.
2. Spin trim.  The Spinnaker trimmer releases the Spinnaker as much as possible, to fly the clew forward.  
3. New Spin trim.  The new trimmer hails on the new sheet as fast as he can.  
4. Main trim.  The main trimmer brings the main across to get more wind on the sail.  This helps the clew fly forward
5. Bowman.  The Bowman works the clew forward to the forestay, then grabs the clew and runs back to the back of the boat with the clew in hand.

4.3. Rounding marks

Rounding marks is part of the exhilarating part of the race!  Lots has to happen, and in short order.  Get too far away from the mark, and the boat loses a LOT of time.  Get too close to the mark, and the boat may lose a spreader, mast, or worse.

4.3.1. Bear away set with a spinnaker

Rounding the windward mark involves a sail change if the desire is to fly a spinnaker.  Beating up to the mark required a jib and mainsail.  Once rounded, the boat will be running and will require a spinnaker and mainsail.

Mystiko employs a socked spinnaker, which is unusual for a race boat.  The sock introduces unique challenges for the crew, not the least of which is being unfamiliar with the sock mechanics.  

This section discusses a bear away port set, where the vessel will:

1. Arrive at the windward mark on Starboard, and remain on Starboard throughout the maneuver
2. Port round the mark (where the mark is to the port side of the vessel)
3. Deploy the spinnaker on the port side of the vessel.  For those who are more familiar with symmetrical spinnakers, the “pole” is on the starboard side of the boat.

Once the Spin is set, the boat can go through a gybe if necessary.

Setup

Before racing, Port Set the spinnaker:

1. Attach the Spinnaker bag to the mast, making sure to keep the bag clear of the jib sheets.
2. Run the spinnaker sheets “underneath and outside” of everything.  This step is critical so the jib will run free during board changes.
3. Attach the Spinnaker Clew to the Spinnaker sheets.  Tie off the point to the bag so rouge waves or heavy winds will not take the Spinnaker out of the bag.
4. Attach the Tackline to the Spinnaker Tack.  Be sure to run the Tack line outside the bow pulpit, on the Port side of the forestay, and underneath all Sheets (both the Spinnaker sheets and the Jib sheets)
5. Find an appropriate halyard to use.  Select a port halyard that runs to the cockpit. The halyard needs to be attached outside the jib sheets and over the Spin sheets.

On the layline

Before rounding the mark but after the crew is somewhat confident that the mark will be made.

1. Make the Spinnaker tack.  The Cockpit crew will coordinate with the Bowman to make the Tack.  The Bowman is necessary since the sail will be threading under the Jib and over the Bow Pulpit.  This maneuver can be completed early and will only have a marginal negative effect on the boat performance.  Presetting the Tackline leaves the Bowman and Cockpit crew free to assist the hoist and eventually furl the jib.  The Port trimmer is still trimming the jib at this point.

1. Driver:  Drive the boat, remaining on Starboard tack.
2. Jib trimmer:  Trim the sail as necessary.
3. Bowman/Mastman:  Work Tack set.
4. Cockpit:  Work Tack set.
5. Main trimmer:  In place for trimming and for emergency relief if the Driver needs to change direction

2. Hoist the sock on the Port side.  This is a coordinated effort between the Mastman/Bowman and the free Cockpit crew.  This maneuver should be performed ideally just before the rounding.  Since the Spinnaker is in a sock, there is yet another hoist that will be made to free the Spinnaker.  

1. Driver:  Drive the boat, remaining on Starboard tack
2. Jib trimmer:  Trim the sail as necessary.
3. Bowman/Mastman:  Hoist the Spinnaker in the sock
4. Cockpit:  Hoist the Spinnaker in the sock
5. Main trimmer:  In place for trimming and for emergency relief if the Driver needs to change direction

At the rounding

1. Deploy the spinnaker in a bear away set.  The Bowman/Mastman hoists the sock.  The Spinnaker Trimmer is ready to fly the spinnaker when deployed.  It is critical that the boat remains on Starboard.

1. Driver:  Bear away, remaining on Starboard tack.  
2. Jib trimmer:  Trim the sail as necessary.
3. Bowman/Mastman:  Hoist the sock halyard.  No Cockpit work is necessary at this point.
4. Spinnaker trimmer:  Trim the spinnaker.
5. Spinnaker trim grinder.  Assist Spinnaker trimmer.
6. Main trimmer:  Trim the sail so the Driver can change direction and go off wind.  

2. Furl the Jib after the Spinnaker is set.  The Bowman/Mastman will make sure everything stays clear of the roller furling up at the top of the Spinnaker.  Cockpit crew will furl.

1. Driver:  Drive the boat, remaining on Starboard tack.
2. Jib trimmer:  Furl the jib, keeping tension on the Sheets as furling.  Use two people if necessary
3. Bowman/Mastman:  Monitor the furl, making sure that everything remains clear.
4. Spinnaker trimmer:  Trim the spinnaker.
5. Spinnaker trim grinder.  Assist Spinnaker trimmer if required.  This position is necessary in winds greater than about 10 knots
6. Main trimmer:  Trim the sail.

4.3.2. Rounding a leeward mark with a spinnaker

Rounding the leeward mark while flying a spinnaker requires a sail change.  Specifically, the spinnaker has to be removed, and the jib has to be unfurled.

Once the spinnaker is shuttered and the boat is sailing without a spinnaker, the leeward rounding is the same as a non spin leeward rounding.

Although the sails can be reconfigured after the rounding, it is good practice to douse the Spinnaker on the same tack as the next raise is expected to be on.  For example, if a bear away port set (with the vessel sailing a starboard tack) is expected for the next windward rounding, then douse the sail on a starboard tack.

Setup

1. Driver: Sail a starboard tack until the process is complete
2. Pitman: Release five feet or so of the spinnaker halyard to get the mouth of the sock away from the jib/forestay.

Sock the spinnaker

1. Jib trimmers: Unfurl the jib on the port side (starboard tack)
2. Bowman/Mastman: Start socking the spinnaker. This process cannot complete until the spinnaker sheet is released.
3. Spinnaker trim: Release the spinnaker sheet to allow the Bowman to sock the spinnaker.  Then go forward to the mast to help the foredeck put the Spinnaker in the bag
4. Pitman:  Release the tackline while the Bowman is socking the spinnaker

Bag the spinnaker

1. Bowman/Mastman: Once the spinnaker is socked, coordinate with the Pitman (on the halyard) to bag the spinnaker.  Make sure to bring the spinnaker in on the outside and underneath all the jib lines.
2. Spinnaker trim: Should be on foredeck helping to bag the spinnaker
3. Pitman: Work with Foredeck to lower the spinnaker

5. References

1. America's Cup crew roles, http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/sailing/americas_cup/2218797.stm
2. Race vessel Shenanigan, http://www.healershelpers.com/Shenanigan/crewbios.htm
3. Sailing points of sail, http://www.smallboat.sailingcourse.com/points_of_sail.htm
4. Crew Positions 101, http://www.yachtracing.com/technicaljournals/crewpositions1.html
5. Various Wikipedia articles
6. Racing Rules of Sailing, updated every 4 years, http://www.sailing.org/documents/racing-rules.php
7. Racing rules, http://www.dpmyc.com/racing-rules
8. US Coast Guard Vessel Safety Check Manual, http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/16000-16999/cim_16796_8.pdf
9. Boating regulations, http://www.boatus.com/onlinecourse/documents/regulations.html
10. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), http://www.imo.org/about/conventions/listofconventions/pages/international-convention-for-the-prevention-of-pollution-from-ships-(marpol).aspx