Sailing positions explained

A primer for the different roles onboard one of the seven yachts that will sail around for nine months competing in the 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race.

Luke Parkinson, near, and another member of the Azzam crew shown in action during the start of Leg 1 to the 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race on Saturday in Alicante, Spain. Matt Knighton / Getty Images / Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing / Volvo Ocean Race / October 11, 2014
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We've had a lot of coverage lately of the 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race in the build-up to its start on Saturday.

We'll have plenty more over the next nine months as the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing boat, the Azzam, and six other yachts traverse 38,739 nautical miles around the globe along nine different legs that will take the sailors everywhere from South Africa to Abu Dhabi to China to, finally, Sweden.

To help give an understanding of what those sailors are actually out there doing, we provide the below explainer:

Skipper (the boss): Is the team manager, captain, chief executive and ultimately decision maker on strategy and tactics, working in tandem with the navigator.

Nagivator (the nerd): Gets the boat from point-to-point as fast as possible, using wind and current. Has lots of hardware and software and is a meteorology expert.

Trimmer (the power): Trims the sails and responsible for boat speed. Keeps a fast sail shape, works with the driver and other trimmers to reach the goals set by the skipper and navigator.

Driver (the pilot): Has the skill to steer boat fast in all conditions for long periods. Knows how to surf the waves and keep the boat racing fast, sailing on the edge in tough conditions.

Bowman (the acrobat): Works at the bow – the wettest, coldest and most exposed end of the boat. Changes sails or helps with manoeuvres. Fast, agile and sometimes a bit masochistic.

Pitman (the pivot): Is the lynchpin at the centre of every operation. Choreographs the manoeuvres, controls the haylards lines and coordinates between the drivers and the bow team.

Boat captain (the repairman): Makes sure the boat is in optimum condition throughout the race and manages maintenance and repairs onboard. Usually from an engineering background.

Watch leader (the motivator): Is responsible for one "watch" – a group of sailors working together on deck. Makes sure that the right people are doing the right job at the right time.

Onboard reporter (the storyteller): Captures and delivers the stories and action while at sea. Not allowed under any circumstance to take any part in sailing.

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