MidBow/ Crew Boss

 

You have to take total control of the team in any maneuver.  You and I have to be on the same page so if there is confusion you will take charge forward and I will sort it out aft.  The information will flow through the Pit boss, but if not it is important to demand it.  Questions you should be thinking about:

1) At top mark are we setting and holding (stay on same jibe) or are we jibing soon?
2) Should the staysail go up after set or wait until we are settled?  (Need to get two sheets on staysail and let luff during jibe) 
3) Are we jibing outside, are we set for that?  (Only very light air will jibe inside, need a soft prod to keep sheet on the boat)
4) How is the weight, are we hiking hard enough, how can we work better together?
5) When to drop spinnaker at leeward mark?  (I will always count on you to make that call unless it is tactical)
6) How can we all do our job, yet staying on the rail longer at the top mark?

Pre-Boat Call
 * Weather Check
* Read Race Instructions  (need at least 3 people understanding race instructions)
* Eat proper breakfast
* Bring the right sailing clothes 
* Anticipate the day’s condition

Boat Call

* Check over all items in bow
* Help rig the boat and check you spinn sheets  (like to have both sheets and halyard together at port cap shroud, Velcro)
* Make sure we have tape, knife close by
* Look at all marks
* Check bow netting ( I have a new idea for bow netting to show this weekend )
* Work with Dave make sure all turnbuckles have Tuff Gel and head stay is easy to move
* Talk with Kathy on what to expect today
* Understand the sails on the boat

Pre-Start-Race

* Make sure all sheets together (like to led spinn sheets outside, yet twings inside)
* Hike upwind and talk to crew how to make all moves together
* On last port tack have Kathy get the spinnaker and you hook it up by the cap shrouds
* Hike around top mark let and have Kathy ease tack out to pole (band tack area so we can have tack out before we round offset mark)
* Hike around offset mark and once the boat is flat go to leeward and pull the jib foot aft so it will drop smooth (wind wants to push it forward)
* Sit together as a crew and work the boat off the wind
* Make double sure the new sheet is above the tack batten and slack is taken out
* During jibing move weight to windward, yet keep eyes forward for a hang up (I will be pulling new sheet aft, so I may see a problem you will have to fix)
* Understand the gate we are planning
* Call the jib up (not too soon because it will hurt this spinnaker)
* Call A sail down
* Hike out

Post Race
 * Clean up
* Write down any issues in your area
* De-Brief
* Ask questions on how to do it all better
* Fix any needed repairs
* Prepare boat today for race tomorrow
* Enjoy the day