The America’s Cup invites the public to participate at the first Community Grinding Challenge this weekend during Bermuda Tourism Authority’s Rediscover the Rail Trail event tomorrow.

The challenge was launched in January at the Bermuda College with sailors from each on-island America’s Cup team competing for the title of Best America’s Cup Grinder. Now, the Community Grinding Challenge gives the public an opportunity to get up close and personal with what it takes to be an America’s Cup sailor by testing their fitness levels on a dedicated grinding machine.

This weekend, the Community Grinding Challenge will be a part of the action at the Rail Trail event at Shelly Bay from 1pm to 4pm. The grinder itself captures and logs all data generated by each user. It captures the amount of spins or rounds per minute and the energy that’s being generated, giving readouts so that users can set themselves against each other, and measure their output levels.

Each participant will be on the machine between ten and 20 seconds and the resistance of the grinder will change for each age group. Participants are allowed one try on the grinder per event but can enter the competition at as many events they wish.

“After our successful launch event in January, we are excited to welcome the public to come out and have a go on the grinder,” said Tom Herbert-Evans, Community Sailing Manager, America’s Cup Event Authority. “We encourage participants aged 14 and up to test out their fitness levels on the grinder, and have a bit of fun while doing it. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the America’s Cup and at the same time, compete for great prizes.”