Recessed into each of the two hulls is an oval cockpit 20 feet long. Generally, a helmsman steers from the back, while the deck crew handles the sails at the front. Jacques Vapillon To be heard, crewmates often have to shout over the din of shrieking winds and crashing waves. Lewis convinced Ollier move the steering wheel on Team Adventure to the front of the cockpit to facilitate communication between the helmsman and crew, and to give him a better view of the course. Ollier also raised the protective fence around the side of the boat that helps shield the crew.
Waves can crash against the side of the boat and spray the deck with great force.
Ollier raised the bulwark from 18 inches to 3 feet, which shelters the crew from spray. Lastly, Lewis convinced Ollier to taper the front of Team Adventure's hulls. Lewis got the idea after a section of Club Med's bow broke off during a race last summer. Lewis hoped the thinner bow wouldn't dig into waves while making turns.