What can I do? The most common task a new crew member is called upon to do on a boat is to help tacking the jib. One  person will need to pull the new jib sheet on (tighten it) while someone lets the old one go (loosens it). To sheet in a  lazy sheet  in a tack:  If your winch is not self-tailing you will need to continue to pull on the rope with one hand while grinding with  the other. Often another crew member can grind while you ‘tail’ (pull) the sheet. To let go a  working sheet  during a tack :  Remember both of these things should happen nearly simultaneously. The faster you get the jib moved over  the faster the helmsman will be able to steer a new course. 1. When the skipper announces he intends to tack, get ready : put two or three turns of rope on the  winch (make sure it’s on the right way!) and hold the loose end in both hands 2. When the jib flaps or the skipper says so, pull in the sheet quickly until it is tight 3. When you can’t pull it in any more you’ll have to grind it. Put another turn around the winch if you  need to (you should have at least three) and put the rope in the ‘jaws’ of the self tailing apparatus 4. Insert a handle into the top of the winch and start grinding until the sail is ‘set’ 1. When the skipper announces he intends to tack, get ready : take the rope out of the ‘jaws’ of the self  tailer or uncleat it but keep it with 2-3 turns on the winch, more if it is windy 2. When the jib flaps or the skipper says so, flip the remaining turns off the winch, keeping your fingers  clear and let the rope run out smoothly. The other person should be pulling it across now. 3. If you are needed, help the other person by putting a handle in their winch and grinding for them