Abstract
Laser class is an Olympic sport in which technical and tactical variables are very important in the performance of the sailor. However, the variables that determine performance in a regatta have not been studied, and less so with Olympic sailors. Therefore, the main objectives of this study are to analyze the technical and tactical variables that differentiate sailors based on their level of performance and sex and determine the most important courses in a regatta. The sample consists of 159 Olympic sailors (67 females) of the Laser class, who participated in a World Cup. Velocity made good (VMG), distance, and maneuvers were evaluated using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) devices in the upwind, downwind, and broad reach courses. VMG in upwind and downwind is the technical variable that determines performance in the Laser class. The VMG is decisive in the performance of elite female sailors in the upwind, downwind, and broad reach courses, while in elite male sailors, performance is mainly influenced by speed in upwind and downwind and the distance covered in upwind. The maneuvers do not determine sailing performance in any of the courses of a regatta.
Highlights
Dinghy sailing is a sport with specific characteristics, since performance will be determined by the level of physical fitness of the sailor, and by the characteristics of the boat and the weather conditions [1,2]
In upwind course, the T1 sailors obtained greater Velocity made good (VMG) compared to the T2 and T3 sailors and between the T2 and T3 groups
The results of our study show that speed is the variable that determines the performance of a Laser class sailor on the upwind and downwind courses
Summary
Dinghy sailing is a sport with specific characteristics, since performance will be determined by the level of physical fitness of the sailor, and by the characteristics of the boat and the weather conditions [1,2]. Among the different Olympic classes, the sailors in the Laser class are considered dynamic hikers, since, due to a high sailor-to-yacht weight ratio, they are required to sail the boat in a very dynamic manner [5]. This monohulled-type class was designed by Bruce. Women compete in the Radial (5.76 m2 ) category and men compete in the Standard (7.06 m2 ) category This is an Olympic class since 1996 and sailors compete under the One Design rule.
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