By Bob Mimlitch; Crewing On A Hobie By Bob Mimlitch - Hobie Cat 18 User Manual

This guide is primarily for crewing during a race, but some of the information applies to general sailing.
Always:
Keep the skipper informed of other boat traffic, even when they are not a problem.
Monitor the course for wind: dark water, wind lines, speed of other boats, hull flying, etc.
During the Start:
Time the start: keep the skipper informed of time to go.
Get the course number off the committee boat and read the course sequence to the skipper.
Check all control settings: outhaul, downhaul, traveler position, boards, etc.
Know the skippers starting plan and any alternate or fallback plans.
Monitor the relative position of certain competitors, as required.
Assist with boat handling: stopping, turning, starting, accelerating through the gears, etc.
Note: jib control is very important during the start.
Be prepared to prevent boat contact if possible, but don't sacrifice your body.
Sailing Upwind:
Set the jib and periodically monitor its flow.
Balance: move on and off the trapeze, or across the tramp to maintain lateral balance, and
move fore and aft to keep the hulls driving approximately 4" to 6" out of the water.
Watch for crossing traffic and boats to the inside and slightly behind you, keep skipper informed.
Note: going up wind, it is particularly important to keep looking under your sail for boats hidden by the sail.
Hail other boats as required to insure safe passage.
Try to determine which side of the course has the best wind.
Notify the skipper of lifts, headers, gusts and holes in the wind by watching the boats around you.
Monitor the laylines and keep the skipper informed of approximate distance to the lay line.
Tacking - see Anatomy of a Tack for crew actions and movements.
Rounding "A" mark for a reach to "B":
As you approach "A", try to spot "B" so that you can assist the skipper's turn to "B".
As the skipper turns, ease the jib to maintain trim as required.
Rounding "A" or "B" for a broad reach to "C"
Ease the jib sheet (and traveler for H16s) to their down wind position.
Set the other controls for down wind: outhaul, downhaul, board(s), etc.
Balance the boat for down wind.
Sailing Down Wind:
Locate the start / finish line and B/C mark, and keep the skipper informed.
Handhold the jib if conditions permit.
As the wind picks up, sheet in and notify the skipper.
As the wind picks up more, tighten the jib line in preparation for a hasty retreat.
As the wind picks up more, move to the center or windward hull.
As the wind picks up more, move to the rear with the skipper.
As the wind lightens up, reverse the process.
Gybing - see Anatomy of a Gybe for crew actions and movements.
Rounding "C" for upwind or "B" for a reach to "C":
About 100 yards out start resetting the controls for upwind: downhaul, outhaul, boards, travelers
If you are on starboard, prepare for a jibe, then the rounding.
As you round, sheet in the jib to maintain trim.
Rebalance the boat as required.
Sailing to the Finish:
Monitor close competitors for their maneuvers (tacking, etc.).
Monitor the lay lines, favored end of the finish line and favored tack.
If the finish will be close, command the skipper to make the boat go faster!!!!
Hobie University, NAHCA
Crewing on a Hobie

by Bob Mimlitch

Page 32
(that's Crewing)
31 Mar 02