Deep Dive: The Grinders
Our Deep Dive series concludes with the Grinder role, looking at the two crew members who effectively power the F50
Published 04/6/2025
There might not be a literal engine aboard the F50 catamaran used in SailGP but in the form of the two Grinders stationed at the front of the hulls, there is a metaphorical one.
For the U.S. SailGP Team, it’s Anna Weis - the only full-time female Grinder in the fleet - Peter Kinney and Mac Agnese who provide the power that enables the rest of the crew to navigate the course from behind them. But there’s a lot more to it than that, so let’s get into it!
Read More: Find Out All About The Wing Trimmer's Role
Referred to as G1 and G2 based on their position in the cockpit, a team’s Grinders are responsible for generating the power needed to trim the wingsail and jib, making them the de facto engine of the F50. Although responsibility for controlling the F50’s wingsail lies with the Wing Trimmer, they rely on the Grinders to turn the mainsheet winch, which moves the rope mainsheet that controls the wing angle.
The mainsheet line held by the Wing Trimmer (the rope seen in their hands throughout each race) is used to ensure the boat is stable and flying at optimal speed. However, it is the power generated by the Grinders that enables them to do this and, as such, the two must work in tandem, with the Grinders anticipating the Wing Trimmer’s demands and coordinating their efforts to ensure smooth and efficient sailing.
As with all roles aboard the F50, the relationship between the two is symbiotic and the less need for communication, the better. The key to successful grinding is to do so at the right times, in doing so preserving energy and maximizing efficiency. Resting in lulls is, after all, vital in such a physically demanding role.
There is no escaping the fact being a Grinder takes a physical toll. Being strong and having an incredible lung capacity are of paramount importance in order to deliver a high power output and demonstrate the requisite endurance levels. During races, heart rates can reach up to 200bpm! Perhaps underrated is the level of agility required to leap out of the cockpit and cross the F50 to the opposite side at regular intervals. Much like NFL players, footwork, coordination and light-footedness are all things Grinders work on.
Read More: What Does The Flight Controller Do?
Earlier we mentioned the fact each crew has two Grinders: G1 and G2. This is because both have slightly different responsibilities. G1 has their back facing the course but is facing the rest of the crew. It is their job to control the heel of the boat and watch the ride height. As they can see everything better than G2, they initiate the grind. The forward-facing Grinder - with their back to the crew - is known as G2. They provide the power but also control the jib sail. They have two pedals in the cockpit for jib on and jib off, as well as a series of push-button controls mounted on the side of the hull to manipulate the sail shape.
Arguably the toughest parts of the job arise when changing sailing mode or maneuvering around mark roundings. This is when you will see the two Grinders working at their hardest. To help in these moments, they effectively have two gears - like in a car or bicycle. The bigger gear is used at the points when a greater output is required and vice versa.
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