Crew Positions

Each boat requires a different number of crew to sail it effectively in a race.  Below are the most common crew positions.

• Skipper  Helms the boat, coordinates the work of the crew, often calls tactics and trims the main sail.
• Genoa Trimmer Trims the headsail (jib or genoa) upwind.  Some crews may use two crewmembers for gross and fine trim of the headsail.
• Spinnaker Trimmer  Trims the spinnaker downwind.
• Foredeck   Sets, takes down and jibes the spinnaker or whisker pole, hoists and releases the spinnaker and headsail halyards.
• Mid-Boat  May also be referred to as Pit or Sewer.  Mid-Boat works with Foredeck to set/takedown the spinnaker and headsails.  May also help with tacking the genoa or calling tactics.
• Tactician  Makes decisions regarding strategy during a race.  On some boats, the skipper is also the tactician.