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)

More information at
BU Forum

So, if you have been on a boat several times and you were wondering about the mindset of the person that "worked" in the pointy end of the boat, stay tuned.
In this part we will conduct a cursory psychological analysis of a bowman. We will try to give you enough information so you can decide if you want to become one of the elite (albeit mentally and physically challenging, wet and wild).

Let's start by describing a typical sailboat and then defining the responsibilities of each crewman. Please keep in mind that sailing a boat is a team sport. Each player must understand their responsibility in each maneuver and coordinate their actions with the actions of every other crewman. In football, the quarterback calls the play and then, on the count, each player takes care of his or her specific responsibility. If any one player fails, the play fails. Sailing, is the same!  Read Crew Positions 101 for better understanding of each position or study our diagram.

BU Crew Positions Diagram.

WHAT DOES BOWMAN DO?

Main responsibilities of a Bowman are; calling (or signaling) the line on starts, putting up and taking down head sails, keeping all halyards and sheets clear (properly positioned for the next maneuver) and, in the event of a broken or jammed part of the boat, climb or be hoisted to the top of the mast or spinnaker pole to make necessary repairs.

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