In this episode we watch the Trimmers tune the sails for maximum
performance. The
headsail
trimmer crouches low on the leeward side of the boat just behind the
trailing edge of the genoa. This is right in the wind slot between the
headsail and mainsail which acts like a turbo charger, firing alternate
bursts of sea spray and wind at the trimmer as the boat accelerates. "You
are pretty well rinsed by the time you come off the water" says Zach Hurst,
one of the
younger
trimmers aboard. Directing the muscle power of the grinders, who handle loads
up to 4-tons, the trimmer alters the shape of the headsail. He coordinates
with the mainsail trimmer who uses a winch to position the boom and adjust
the angle of the mainsail to the wind. Depending on the course direction,
the trimmers adjust the sails for optimum shape and speed. Their interaction
directs the flow of wind over the sails, driving the yacht forward.
You can view the entire 22-minute BMW
ORACLE Racing Crew video on Sail.TV.
