Deep Dive: Wing Trimmer
Next up in our series examining each crew member’s role, we take a look at the Wing Trimmer
Published 03/31/2025
We’re continuing our journey along the F50 catamaran with a deep dive into the role of the person charged with generating and delivering power: the Wing Trimmer.
It’s a complex role that requires a lot of concentration, attention to detail and a unique relationship with the boat in order to feel what is required at any given moment. An ability to multitask is a must. So, let’s break it down…
Deep Dive: The Strategist
Like any vessel, the F50 used by the U.S. SailGP Team and the rest of the fleet relies on a series of constant micro adjustments made to the wingsail to optimize performance, dependent on the wind conditions and angle to of the boat to the wind. Fast reflexes and anticipation are therefore critical skills for these crew members, who must be fit and agile to scamper across the boat as it navigates the course.
Unlike traditional sailing, the Wing Trimmer has a number of buttons and controls built into the cockpit. For the U.S. SailGP Team, that responsibility sits with Jeremy Wilmot. He has a Human Machine Interface (HMI) with buttons and a joystick that manipulate the wing into the right shape for the wind conditions and the angle to wind the boat is sailing.
The wingsail takes a ‘V’ shape with five hinge-like mechanisms running up it, enabling the Wing Trimmer to open and close the angle. ‘Camber’ is the depth of that curve in the sail which regulates the power generated. Increasing the camber means more power, flattening the sail means less. The other key term for the Wing Trimmer is ‘Twist’. This refers to the angle of attack on the trailing edge of the wingsail. Twisting the upper section to a leeward position (i.e. away from the wind) reduces the power generated.
At the same time as all of this, the Wing Trimmer has the mainsheet (rope) and winch which they are seen operating throughout races. This is where the Grinders come in, with the winch drum driven by their physical output – something we’ll get into in more detail later in this Deep Dive series. As a result, coordination between the Wing Trimmer and Grinders is vital.
Much like the Driver and Strategist, the Wing Trimmer has access to lots of data which helps inform decisions, including the angle of the sail and wind conditions. However, some prefer to rely on feel and what they can see, instead of leaning heavily on the data supplied to the boat. Another thread which runs through all these roles is communication. The Wing Trimmer is in constant communication with the Driver, informing them of the best modes of sail and how best to utilize the wing’s capabilities.
Deep Dive: The Driver
We’ve covered a lot of what the Wing Trimmer does – but what about the wing they’re controlling? They are arguably the most complex element of the F50 catamarans used in SailGP.
Constructed mostly from carbon and titanium, they have a Mylar outer skin (a polyester film) and are controlled by a series of hydraulic rams for each section. There are three wing configurations used by the teams which are modular in build, enabling them to slot together the upper, middle and lower sections. The largest is 29m (95ft) and the smallest just 18m (59ft). In between, there’s a 24m (79ft) wing which has been used since Season One of SailGP. The 18m alternative was introduced because the larger size is deemed risky in high winds. A smaller wingsail means less surface area, less drag and therefore less power is required to power the F50.
The choice of wingsail is made in advance by the SailGP organization based on expected weather conditions. As disassembling and reassembling is a time-consuming role that has teams working through the night, changes are not taken lightly.
Claim your own U.S. SailGP Team Crew Card
Join the Crew
Support
Contact
Powered By
© FanCapital LLC