Crew Duties: Foredeck
Area of Responsibility:
Forward of the mast base.
Controls:
Pole Jaw Release (blue balls)
Snapshackles
Expectations:
At the dock, prepare the foredeck for running the spinnaker. This includes running the sheets and guys, attaching the turning blocks and setting up the pole. (See Spinnaker Tutorial for details.)
Prepare to Hoist: Bring the bag up and attach the lines. Raise the base of the pole. Double check all lines will run free and fair. Detach the topping lift from it’s securing cleat at the mast base, but hold it by hand out of the way. “Ready to Raise the Pole!”
Raise the Pole: Wait until after the last tack before the upwind mark and raise the pole to horizontal on Helm’s command, working with Cockpit. “Pole is made!” Prepare to pre-feed the guy.
Pre-feed the Guy: Control the sail as it’s tack is pulled by the Jib Crew to the end of the pole.
Hoist the Spinnaker: Control the bag and assist the sail out as the halyard is raised by Cockpit. Ensure Mast yells, “Made!” when the halyard reaches the mast top.
Douse: On the “Prepare to douse!” command, immediately sit on the pulpit in preparation to release the tack snapshackle as the pole tip comes within reach. Do NOT put your head downwind of the pole! On helm’s command, release the snapshackle, guide the pole tip to the deck and assist Mast to stuff the sail into the cabin. Direct Mast to secure the topping lift under the cleat at the mast base so we can tack. Secure the spinnaker lines in preparation for the next hoist. Pack the spinnaker sail in the cabin.
Gybe the Spinnaker: Grab the lazy guy and bring it with you to sit on the pulpit. When the pole tip is within reach, clip the lazy guy into the jaw, lay the jib sheet above the topping lift knot and yell, “Made!”