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The dugout deck of an
America's Cup boat is a stark, functional place, organised
so that the 16 crew members can perform their roles with
maximum efficiency. The loads are such that
nothing can be controlled without a winch. There are four main
winches powered by two-man winch handles on pedestals or
"grinders" (three in front of the wheels, one behind) which
can be manned by eight people. There are 12 winches in all.
On the floor are buttons
to control the use and direction of the winches, while the
various halyards used to hoist sails and other ropes are fed
into the pit. The twin steering wheels
are connected to the rudder and trim tab, a flap on the back
of the keel, which control the boats direction. There is no cabin or
area down below..
