Inside Tack - Demistifying Yacht Racing Positions
Did you know that yacht racing is one of the fastest growing sports in the world?
For those of us with a passion for sailing this is unsurprising – yacht racing is totally absorbing, exhilarating, challenging and incredibly rewarding.
In this series of Inside Tack articles we look at the different positions in a yacht racing team and demystifying their role. While we will consider the positions individually, it’s important that we don’t forget the fact that everyone is depending on each other and working as a team is essential.
Whether they are grinding the winches, trimming the sheets or calling tactics, everyone's performance is a significant part of the team’s sailing success. That’s why it’s one of the best forms of team-building around.
In this article, we list the different positions onboard a race yacht and provide a brief description of each:
1. Skipper
He or she is ultimately responsible for the boat’s performance and safety (and therefore the crew’s as well).
2. Tactician/Navigator
This is a mentally demanding, strategic role, with responsibility for deciding on the best course to sail while considering all aspects of the conditions such as wind, tide and the opposition.
3. Helmsman
Speed is his concern, getting the boat into the best position, fast!
4. Mainsheet trimmer
This role is responsible for trimming the mainsheet (rope) that sets the shape of the mainsail.
5. Genoa/headsail and spinnaker trimmer
Strong sensitive hands are required here to trim the genoa and spinnaker, using sheets and hydraulics to fine tune the sail shape.
6. Grinder
Not the best sounding job but just as essential as the others. The grinders supply the manpower by grinding the winches used to trim or hoist the sails.
7. Pitman
Again, sounds a bit of a unfortunate job (!) but this team player occupies a central position in the boat controlling the halyards which hoist and drop the sails.
8. Mastman
A real team player, assisting with the hoisting and dropping of sails. Agility is key here.
9. Mid bowman/Sewerman
The least gratifying position but also extremely important. This role organises the sails below, including the repacking of spinnakers. On deck, he works with the bowman and mastman (no tendency to be seasick required!).
10. Bowman
This is an ‘all action’ role involving hoisting, dropping and controlling the headsails and spinnakers and other precarious tasks for which a strong stomach is required!