Helm commands and crew calls
Clear cockpit language prevents rushed tacks, surprise jibes, missed lines, and confused guests. Drill the command sequence until you can say the next safe word without thinking.
Command sequence lab
Saved locally in asa101.helmCommands.v1. Click the command cards in the order you would use them on the boat.
Command cadence lab
ASA 101 expects sailors to use and respond to helm commands. This lab turns the calls into a cockpit transcript: prepare, get an answer, hold if someone is not ready, then execute with the safest next command.
Saved command decision drill
Practice what the skipper should say or do when timing, readiness, or crew safety changes.
Core command patterns
Tack
Ready about? Crew answers Ready. Skipper turns and calls Helm's alee or Tacking. Release old jib sheet, trim new sheet, settle the course.
Jibe
Ready to jibe? Crew answers Ready. Control the mainsheet, warn the crew, call Jibe-ho, turn smoothly, ease and trim on the new side.
Not ready
If any crew says not ready, hold course and fix the problem. Do not treat the command script as more important than actual readiness.
Beginner guests
Plain language beats tradition when guests are new: "Stay seated, heads low, boom coming across" is better than a perfect phrase nobody understands.
What to say before common maneuvers
| Situation | Skipper language | Crew response |
|---|---|---|
| Normal tack | Ready about? Helm's alee / Tacking. | Ready. Release and trim jib when called. |
| Normal jibe | Ready to jibe? Heads down. Jibe-ho. | Ready. Keep low. Watch the boom and mainsheet. |
| Crew not ready | Hold the tack. Tell me when ready. | Say not ready early and clearly. |
| Docking | Stand by bow line. Step off when safe. Do not jump. | Repeat assignment and keep limbs inside. |
| Crew overboard | Crew overboard. Throw flotation. Point at them. Mark position. | Throw, point, keep sight, report distance. |
Sources
- American Sailing ASA 101 Standards PDF - Basic Sailing Terminology and Helm Commands
- American Sailing - ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing overview
- US Sailing - Basic Keelboat
- Ventura Community Sailing Center - Jibing a Sailboat PDF
- Blue Water Foundation Sailing Terminology PDF
- SpinSheet - Talk Like a Sailor
Practice command sequenceBuild crew briefingReview maneuversOpen simulator