Let me guess,
1. play jib sheet
2. play the travelar
3. when capsized they sit on the hull in the water to stop it coming back on top.
What else and are they all right.

Jules

1. Watch the course, the crew has the best line of sight.
2. Try to keep the boat trim as balanced as possible.
3. Run the foresail.
4. Run the stop-watch, countdowns for starts.
5. Support your helmsman. Smile, make jokes.
6. Double-check all rigging.

Being a crew member is all about being supportive. I think it feels good knowing that someone can rely on me. I also know that the boat I am on is not mine, so I tend not to make opinions unless asked.

I agree with everything Flounder said, and about a few million other jobs. Like keeping me going after we flip twice in force 9 winds.

Oh yeah, someone has to keep the bed warm while I get my coffee down. And someone has to fuss at the skipper when we lose. Crews are everything on a competitive boat!

The crew is everything when it comes to tacking a 16, finding the mark, watching out for traffic. I am so busy watching the wind and my tell-tells, I cannot keep up with so many critical events.

David

Thanks Dave!

The first time I helmed a cat in a race I was 15-16; I said to my self "Wow, I hope my crew can see whats going on, cuz I can't see crap"... ha ha ha.

Flounder, you are so welcome. I almost forgot the most important thing. I get caught up in sailing, and forget to keep count of the laps. This can be a real problem if one is leading the pack, because if you do not go for the finish line, you loose. My crew keeps count of laps for me, so I do blow it with the stupids. A skipper's job is easy...we sail and have fun. The crew is the one that manages all of the work and thinking on the boat.

David

PS: I would never find the marks on the ocean, if it wasn't for my crew. Those darn things are only visiable, when they are on top of the swells at the same time that you are. Thank God for my crew!

Hey Dave,

Don't forget all the bandages, finger splints and cold beer a good crew provides!

Can't wait to see you and Lynn on the water,
Kirk

Kirk,

So good to hear from you, and shame on you for bringing back memories that I have trying to forget. I forgot to mention that good crew will come back and get you after you fall off the boat. We should all drink one for the crew!

Guess what! I bought me a Big, Old, Fat Boat, and we have been sailing all winter. Cannot wait to dust off the Hobie though. I think we will miss Ides of March, but plan on heading down to Cajun Country for a little Southern Sailing and Cookin'.

David

Dave,
What size monodull did you buy? I'm trying to talk Hooter into making the group sail tomorrow at Canyon with my dad's big boat, but she wants to wait and see what the weather does before she decides.

So far, it looks like I will make Lake Somerville, Lake Charles, and Longneck. Probably won't make it to Buchanan for Hill Country, but Cowtown is looking good in May!

Can't wait to see y'all!

Kirk