Mates: If you are a beginner to intermediate sailor, who wants to try his hand at racing, you might be interested in knowing where to place your crew. Crew position is important in balancing your boat, especially when reaching and running. Additionally, poor crew placement can offset good sail trim. Going to windward in 1 - 5 knots, the position is leeward / forward. In 5 -15 knots, it's windward / forward. In 15 - 18 knots, it's windward / aft. Reaching in light wind is leeward / forward. In medium wind, it is windward / forward and in heavy wind, it is windward / aft. Running in any wind speed is crew forward. One important point to remember is when I say forward, I don't mean to pile the crew on the bow and when I say aft, I don't mean to place them on the stern rail. Also, on a reach, the forward and aft crew position is a big factor in hull speed. Your trying to get the boat to pass through the water as easily as possable or in ideal trim. Crew placed too far forward will cause the bow to push too much water aside. Crew too far aft will cause the stern to drag. Here's what to look for in the aft position - if the water is "gurgling" as it leaves the transom, the crew is too far back. Next time your out sailing, try these positions and see if they work for you.