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

Where's the line and how do I call it? The starting line is the imaginary line that connects the committee boat with the pin (usually a brightly colored inflatable tetrahedron). The trick is to cross the starting line on the favored end (we'll explain that later) at full speed at the exact moment the start gun is sounded. The bowman has little control over the speed on the boat, but because the bowperson is on the bow of the boat they have a clear view of the line and the other boats. The bowperson can therefore, using hand signals, tell the helmsman how far the bow is from the line. Boat speed, the distance from the line, the amount of time before the gun sounds (and the race is started) and their position in the fleet, tells the helmsman what to do. If they are too close to the line given their speed, they might "go down" (begin to sail parallel to the line) or, in smaller boats, they might "luff up" (point the bow into the wind to kill the boat speed). In either event, they MUST not foul other boats. It takes practice, an executable strategy and the ultimate in coordination between the crew. Keep in mind, SAILING IS A TEAM SPORT!

A word of caution: If you find yourself on a boat where there is a lot a screaming and yelling and crew and owner that can not communicate calmly, CONSIDER ANOTHER BOAT!

Calling the line is a complex process; a good start requires not only good performance on the bow but everyone on the boat. The start in a boat race is one of most exiting moments of any race. With all the boats "running the line", positioning themselves to cross the line in a favorable position, at full speed without fouling any other boat is truly an exciting experience. It can however be quite dangerous. To maneuver a boat, at full speed in a very confined space, is like hitting the bulls eye on a dart board from 100 ft. The difference is that if you miss and crash into another boat, it could cost you an injury, thousands of dollars and disqualification. With the fleet size varying form 2 boats to a 150 in case of Sydney-Hobart race, there may not be enough room for everyone on the start line. To be a great bowperson, you must practice with your crew and, time permitting, sail every race possible (even if this means filling in on another boat when your boat is not sailing).

One of the most amazing starting collisions happened during America's Cup Jubilee in Cowes England where two modern12 meters Intrepid and Enterprise, collided head-on during pre-start maneuvers.
http://www.sailingsource.com/features/jubilee7.html

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