Newport-Bermuda Race, according to skippers.

Generally, crews were divided up into two watches, alternating three- or four-hour shifts through the duration of the race.

The idea is to keep everybody fresh and alert, especially critical at night.

"That's when you have to strain (your eyesight and hearing) a lot,'' said Blair Simmons, watch captain aboard Starr Trail .

Breaking up the crew is also necessary to relieve the pressure within the cramped confines of a boat. For example, Sayonara carried a crew of 24 within 80 feet of living space.

Another crucial strategy for the crew is to keep conditions below as dry as possible, according to Les Crane, skipper of Monterey . "It makes a huge difference,'' he said. "If (crew) are dry, they sleep well. And if they sleep well, they're sharp. If they're fatigued the tendency is to not care.'' In order to cut down on weight, many boats carried less water than normal -- meaning no showers for the crew.

Aboard Monterey , Crane brought enough water -- an extra 30 gallons -- for one small shower for each of the nine crew. The theory was that, at 37,000 pounds, Monterey is already a very heavy boat and "an extra 300 pounds doesn't mean a hell of a lot. But it means a lot in terms of people feeling good.''