How to Select a Trimmer for Your Sailboat Crew

Skippering a boat is a tough job. A great trimmer can make skippers look good by working closely with them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Knot Meter
• Sailing Gloves
• Deck Shoes
• Straps For Sunglasses
• Sunglasses
• Foul Weather Gear
• Seaman's Knives
• Winch Handles
• Wind Gauges

1. Target people who are detail-oriented and fastidious. Trimmers need to be perfectionists.
2. Seek out quick and strong prospects - especially on big boats with heavy loads.
3. Find people who have a good feel for the water, the wind and boat speed.
4. Choose someone who communicates well with the skipper and tactician. The trimmer, tactician and skipper must be in synch when sailing downwind with the spinnaker.
5. Pick someone with good focus and great distance vision to anticipate lifts and headers.

Tips & Warnings

• Select someone who is coordinated and careful. A klutzy trimmer will lose a finger if he or she has a lapse in concentration.