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Message: [QUOTE="sniper_bob, post: 10535302, member: 17612"] [USER=6403]@bobthebuilder[/USER] I haven't seen a decent comparator of the 4 boats' crew positions and roles, but they all seem to have slightly different configurations. Some roles are common to all, such as the main trim - controlled by one dedicated crewman from a palm device; sheet, traveller, outhauls, mast rotation and batten tension. Because they're not allowed self-tacking jibs, you need 2 dedicated crew for headsail trim (the only 2 that touch a rope in the whole crew). INEOS has gone with 4 grinders on hydraulic pressure - others seem to be using 6. The INEOS grinders work individually and face outboard whereas the others work in pairs facing fore and aft. I imagine having as many crew as possible facing outboard has the advantage of more eyes on the water. INEOS also seems to be the only boat with a single dedicated nav/tac (Scott) - others double up as 2nd helms or even grinders. Two flight controllers also seems the norm, adjusting the wing flaps and rudder rake. The guy on the lee side seems to be the one doing all the work, while some boats use the weather flight controller as an additional grinder. Unlike the last Cup, none of them are using bicycles for grinding. I expect they'll be a few changes taking place before the main event when they work out who's operating the optimal configuration. [/QUOTE]