Come sail away

Trip Start Feb 10, 2008
1
15
16
Trip End Jul 2008


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Flag of French Southern Terr.  ,
Thursday, June 19, 2008

Today was probably the most fun I've had on a shore excursion. I got to race on THE Stars and Stripes 12 meter sailboat that won 5 America's Cups in the 80s and 90s! There were about 20 of us on the boat including two crew and the skipper, and I was one of four "primary grinders". There were two huge bicycle style levers that we worked with our arms to control the two winches for the jib sail. There were three gears (also like a bike), two which moved forward and one stern. So, as we were tacking or making different maneuvers the crew would yell out "primary grinders at the ready! first gear!"  then we'd wait for the "go!" and four of us at a time would push as hard and fast as we could. sometimes the crew would yell "switch to second!" and we'd all have to change the direction of the levers at the same time.
What a work out, I was pretty sore by the end of the race, especially since we lost by a nose (or bow, if you like). It was still amazing fun, better than any roller coaster I've ever been on because we weren't strapped in. And when the wind caught us in a turn the boat would roll to at least 45 degrees and all I had to hang on to was a little red rope. I bought a picture in the gift shop afterwards so I'll try and scan it so you folks can see me in action.
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