The Crew

The Extreme 40 is sailed by four top-level, physically fit sailors who in the iShares Cup are accompanied by a VIP guest. While the Extreme 40 is not a complicated boat to sail it requires its crew to maintain seamless teamwork and good communication to ensure they remain at the top of the fleet. Clumsy maneuvers and bad sail trimming will have a detrimental effect on a boat's positions in a race so all teams aim to be velvety smooth in their timing and in their onboard dialogue.

Helmsman: The helmsman,  is responsible for steering the boat using an extended tiller arm. This sailors is the equivalent to the driver in a rally car, taking direction from his crew of co-drivers and best steering his vehicle on the best and fastest course on the track ahead, from the stat of the race, to the end of the race. The helmsman will also communicate information back to his team telling them when he plans to alter direction, pick up speed or change sails.

Mainsail trimmer/ Tactician: As the acceleration man, the mainsail trimmer controls the biggest sail on the boat, responsible for the blistering speeds that the Extreme 40 can achieve. This crew member still just in from of the helmsman and puts the pedal to the floor by pulling the sail in and can slam on the brakes by letting the same sail out. Getting the correct sail trim takes skill and practice and a good mainsail trimmer can help a team achieve a slight difference in speed over other competitors. The mainsail trimmer my also act as a tactician, providing information to the helmsman during the race. The role of the tactician is similar to that of a co-driver, providing information on the up-coming track, positions of other rivals and shifting weather conditions that may impact the fastest way to the finish line.

Headsail trimmer: Also responsible for the speed, acceleration on the Extreme 40 is the Headsail trimmer who controls the jib and the gennaker via a winch at the front of the boat. This crew member will work closely with the bowman who looks after the front of the boat and has one of the most physically demanding roles on the boat.

Bowman: Often seen running back and forth on the trampoline as he pulls sails up and down is the Bowman. This super agile crew the responsible for deploying and retrieving sails during the race. Ready to shimmy up the mast at a moments notice he is fit, quick and fearless.