Basics

-What does bowman do?

At the Line

-Calling the line
-Keep clear
-Timing
-Communication

Windward Mark

Starboard approach
-Bearaway set
-Jibe set

Port approach
-Bearaway set
-Jibeset (acrobatics)

Jibing

-Rule of Thumb

Leeward Mark

-Leeward douse
-Windward douse
-Mexican takedown
-Stretch and Blow

Peels

Jib peel
-Inside
-Outside

Spinnaker
-Dip pole
-HOT WIRE

Climbing

Because every start is different (different wind speed, wind direction, wind movement, different wave action, different crew members, etc.), it is critical to the safety and success of the boat to practice starts during the pre-race period. Running and timing the line is critical. Checking the change in the wind direction since the setting of the line and the course will dictate. I think here we should start with some pre-race practices and making sure that the crew will stay away from intoxicating them selves with Mount Gay a night before the race. This is of course one ways to make sure that you will get to the start line on time.
Watching the time is another important aspect of bowmen's job. As much as crew in the cockpit usually watches the time and they maneuver the boat to put her in the right spot, they can't see if the bow has yet crossed the line. For this fact it is important the bowman knows exactly where is the line how close can you come before crossing it. It is a common practice for the boat to run the line before the start so crew can get the feel for it's bearing and length. Calling the line requires very good eye and good distance/time judgment; those things come with practice and consistency in sailing with the same boat. After a while you will know how does the boat handle, how fast does it accelerate or turn.

As it is required from the bowmen to keep the timing, he is mostly doing this for him self, as cockpit crew should have their own stopwatch. The important information bowman should repeat to the cockpit is the position of the boat in respect to the line.

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