Essentially a member of the shore-based team - altho' many do also join the sailing crew for certain events. In the world of professional yacht racing, crewed and solo, sponsored projects have a small team of guys with wide-ranging technical skills (rigging, sails, composites...) who are employees of the skipper ro the sponsor depending on how the project is run. Some of these guys hop on board (all generally sail of course) for certain events, although it is not at all uncommon for the services of professionals to be called upon for specific events : eg Russell Coutts (ex-Team NZ, Alinghi...) America's Cup star) who is putting in a "guest appearance" on Gitana 11 at the Grand Prix de Corse this weekend. In Grand Prix events, one or two of the permnant team may be on board, but the they are generally ashore.

Shore crew also sail the boat during sea trials following modifications or after a winter session in the yard.