Sailing tips from round-world yachtsman

Piers Dudin, former skipper of Yorkshire's entry into the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race, visited the showground to teach those in attendance the art of grinding.

Mr Dudin brought with him a real life grinder, which comes straight

from a 68ft Clipper yacht, and was installed on the Welcome to Yorkshire stand for the public to pitch their skills against the expert.

Grinding is often referred to as the engine of a yacht and involves yachtsman frantically turning a handle which is used in the powering of the winches that reel in the sheets and halyards.

The quick movement is vital, especially in racing conditions, and is used during sail hoists, tacks and gybes.

Mr Dudin was at the show yesterday to take on the public and give some hint and tips.

The grinder simulator has been installed on the site for the whole show. A prize will be awarded to the fastest woman and fastest man over the course of the show, with a week's Clipper training in Gosport up for grabs for the winner.

Mr Dudin was skipper on the Hull & Humber Clipper earlier this year when a large wave crashed into his vessel, resulting in him sustaining a broken leg.

A rescue mission had to be mounted in the Pacific Ocean while he was 400 miles east of Japan on the last leg of a 35,000-mile round-the-world race.

The grinding display was one of a number of attractions at the Welcome to Yorkshire stand over the course of the show, including Yorkshire County Cricket Club players and cookery displays.