Backroom boys

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Tim Gurr is not a happy chappie when the wind blows.

While most of the America's Cup sailors enjoy the thrill of sailing in the big winds of the Hauraki Gulf, Gurr and his 14 mates in Team New Zealand's on-shore crew live in trepidation.

Gurr, listed as "construction boss" in the team list, is one of the many unsung heroes who play vital backroom roles. He heads the maintenance team who keep everything shipshape.

"Tim Fix-it" is part of a six-strong group who look after not only the sleek yachts but the chase and weather boats and towing tenders.

"The yachts remain the priority," said 50-year-old Gurr who uses his boatbuilding background to good effect in ensuring nothing is left to chance.

"While we plan to be out of the compound by 8 or 8.30 each night, we know sometimes we will still be here at three in the morning."

As the America's Cup match gets closer, a night shift has been in operation. Nothing can be left to chance.

"One of the crew has the responsibility to call us from out on the water to let us know if there is obvious damage so we can be ready when they come ashore. That might mean having a crane ready to lift the mast out or any one of the hundred things which could need attention."

Each crew member takes responsibility for "their" part of the boat and equipment and liaise with the shore crew in ensuring everything on the boats - likened by many to formula one race cars - is meticulously maintained.

While NZL 57 and NZL 60 have yet to have their first "real race," both have been put through their paces in an arduous build-up. Some see the Kiwi build-up programme as tougher than the racing in the challenger series.

In the lead-up to the start of Team New Zealand's defence, Gurr worked closely with the rest of the team in transforming the raw hulls - as received from the boatbuilders - to sleek racing machines.

"By doing this ourselves we were able to put all the bits on where we wanted them and, just as importantly, save money.

"We get to do all the work around here no-one else is prepared to do," said Gurr who has taken this less-than-glamorous - but key - role for the past 10 years including a stint with the Nippon Challenge.

"Each night, after boats have been dehumidified (dried) we look for any wear and tear. The mast and keel joints are checked. We can't afford to miss anything - whether the boats are racing or just out trialing."

Gurr works closely with the sailmakers, the fitters and welders - responsible for looking after the hydraulics - and anyone else who has a key on-shore role.

Already looking forward to taking a break at the end of the defence - he took a year off after the successful 1995 campaign - Gurr does not know now whether he would do it again.

But, if Team New Zealand are successful it would be no surprise if Gurr did again answer the call and be part of the behind-the-scenes "mob" who could well again make the difference between winning and losing.