Pitman

The pitman (or pit) is the crew member who works the pit, the area around the mast base on a racing yacht where halyards, reefing lines, and the spinnaker pole controls are handled. The role hoists and drops sails, runs the halyards and topping lift during spinnaker sets and douses, and coordinates the foredeck and the cockpit trimmers through each maneuver. On a fully crewed boat the pitman sits between bow and afterguard in the choreography, and a clean hoist or gybe depends on the pit feeding lines at the right moment.