In this episode entitled "Why are there four grinders aboard the AC Class?" Franck Cammas explains the organization aboard the AC Class - on which the French team will compete in the next America's Cup. From the hangar - where the boat returns every evening - he returns to the role of the"grinder" whose role is to turn the cranks, present in the cockpits.
What is the role of the grinder?
They are 4 on board, since there are 2 columns, one at the back and one at the front. They are called G1, G2, G3, G4 depending on their position on the boat. The rear column is more dedicated to the action on a winch - itself dedicated to the wing sheet adjustment. At this station, the movements are very intense, but by peak, that is to say that sometimes, there are also moments of stop when there is no need to tuck in the sheet.
Those at the front are in charge of accumulating energy to fly the boat. To do this, the incidence of foils must be continuously adjusted with movements several times per second. They are also in charge of raising and lowering the foils with the many buttons that equip their cockpit. "They are constantly turning, during 20 minutes of the regatta, to fill energy accumulators, i.e. oil under pressure, which makes it possible to make all these movements
It is the helmsman who controls these movements - like changing rake to fly at stable height - or it is the grinders themselves when they raise or lower the foils.
What are its qualities?
The grinder job is extremely complex and requires both physical and mental strength "In the manoeuvres, they must perform a real choreography." explains Franck Cammas.
Physical preparation is also essential since they weigh on average 95 kilos and are capable of producing 300 watts on average 20 minutes, just with the strength of their arms "They are truly top athletes who must be extremely well prepared, concludes Franck Cammas.
Aboard Groupama Team France
The crew of the AC Class consists of 6 people a helmsman, a wing trimmer, plus four grinders (winchers). They are also in charge of tactics, jib and foil adjustment, but manoeuvres. The rotation of the grinders is essential for each race as the physical effort is intense when they have to produce the energy to drive the hydraulics that control the foils in particular.
Arnaud Jarlegan is a wincher in charge of storing the necessary energy, especially for foil adjustment.
He has a huge multihull experience. Its large size and its feline flexibility make it an essential grinder and trimmer on board such a machine.
Matthieu Vandame is a wincher in charge of storing the necessary energy, especially for foil adjustment.
For this position, he had to gain 10 kilos of muscle but his power, his brilliant university background and his exemplary attitude made him indispensable on board as a grinder and trimmer.
Nicolas Heintz is a wincher in charge of storing the necessary energy, especially for foil adjustment.
He is over the top of the quintal and has a second row rugby stature, and according to Franck Cammas, he has the best physical potential of the crew.
Olivier Herledant is a wincher in charge of storing the necessary energy, especially to adjust the wing.
He has such a physical condition that he can"press" on the cranks while keeping the necessary lucidity.
