Grinders hang on Daggy's words

By JULIE ASH

The worst aspect of James Dagg's job is getting wet. But the best part is "getting to yell at the grinders all day".

He is one of two trimmers on Team New Zealand's black boat, which means his job is to control the shape of the genoa upwind and spinnaker (or gennaker) downwind.

The role requires constant communication and constant adjustment.

"You're trimming it how you like it, but at the same time working closely with the helmsman and the mainsail trimmer."

Dagg joined Team New Zealand in 1996 after five years of fleet racing, including the Mumm 36 circuit, the Two-Ton world championships and the Admirals Cup.

The recent arrival of Team New Zealand's second yacht, NZL82, means it is all go at the base.

"It is an exciting time in the campaign. You have done a lot of development work and now it is all coming together. The opposition is a lot harder this time because a lot more money has been injected by the challengers.

"But we've got a great team and a lot of enthusiasm. It goes a long way."

James Dagg - trimmer

Nickname: Daggy

Age: 31

Place of birth: Auckland

Career highlights:

Farr 40 Circuit.

2000: First world match champs.

1999: World match-racing tour, various Mumm 36 circuit.

1993: Admirals Cup, Two-Ton worlds.

1992: 1st Ton worlds.

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