Harken Grinder Challenge all set as part of Hobart preparations
by John Curnow on 20 Dec 2016
The Harken Grinder Challenge that forms part of the events leading up to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race Steve Christo
On Wednesday December 21, Olympians and sailors step up for the Harken Grinder Challenge as part of preparations for the upcoming Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. It might all be a bit of fun, but the grinders, or pumps, are the mechanical devices that rotate the winches that various ropes go around to control the sails. The larger the boat, the larger the sails, and they can weigh 200kg.
It is all about speed and repetition. During pre-start especially, the athletes on the grinders can be called on again and again as manoeuvres follow manoeuvres, with barely enough time to gulp water down. The Harken Grinder Challenge is a fun contest to find out who can rotate the drum of the winch the most times during a set period. It’s held on land with a Harken Grinder machine, which anyone can try.
This year, Olympians will line up with race crewmembers to test their skills. NSW Waratah rugby team member Jeremy Tilse, who’s sailing on Maserati this year, will be back to defend his 2015 Grinder Challenge Winner title. Others include Rio Gold Medallist in swimming, Mack Horton and also Isobel Bishop, from the Australian Olympic Women’s Water Polo team.
Sailors include Jeremy, as mentioned, Timur Mendybayev, a Russian crew member from Simplesail Mahligai, along with other crewmembers from yachts competing in the 2016 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. James Spithill, America’s Cup Skipper, will also be present at the event.
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