Olympic Sailing Research Articles

A Data-driven Race Strategy Tool for Olympic Sailing Competitions

_ Venue-specific training has, over the years, proven to be a key asset for sailing teams performing at major championships and at the Olympics. A comprehensive understanding of the environmental features and possible weather scenarios in an outdoor sport like sailing can provide athletes with a significant strategic advantage. At the same time, GPS tracking is becoming a readily available technology that athletes use both in training and during races to analyse their own and their competitor's performance. This work couples environmental and meteorological data with GPS tracks for Olympic sailing classes, linking weather features with strategic decisions on the race track. We propose a greedy algorithm to search for an optimal route based on weather forecasts to present the best strategy prior to the race. Our results show the potential of this approach to provide valuable decision support for athletes in Olympic sailing competitions, demonstrated for the 470 Olympic class. Keywords Olympic sailing; path planning; data-driven methods; meteorology; A* algorithm

Towards Dynamic Velocity Prediction of NACRA 17

NACRA 17 is a small foiling catamaran used in Olympic sailing. Sailing in the NACRA 17 is truly unsteady, especially in the foiling conditions. Dynamic velocity prediction has gained a lot of attention in recent years due to the unsteady nature of foiling sailboats. Different approaches have been applied to predict the motions of foiling or skimming boats in unsteady conditions. Typically, the aerodynamic forces are computed by the quasi-steady theory assumption. Static coefficients are used, and the applied velocities are corrected with boat motions. The hydrodynamic forces of a fully foiling boat can be computed in a similar fashion, but this method fails to include the effect of changes in the free surface as well as added mass. This paper proposes an approach where dynamic coefficients of the NACRA 17 hydrofoils are determined based on unsteady Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations with a free surface. In the simulations the foil is moved in prescribed motions in one degree of freedom (DOF) at a time and dynamic coefficients are extracted for different frequencies of motion. All coefficients are combined in a coupled system of equations, and the equations can be solved in 6 DOFs in the time domain. Test scenarios with time-varying conditions are simulated and compared with full dynamic CFD simulations. The initial investigation of the approach shows promising results, but more investigations are needed to validate the approach and to identify possible limitations.

Prediction of Wind Fields using Weather Pattern Recognition: Analysis of Sailing Strategy and Real Weather Data in Tokyo 2020 Olympics

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Sailing Competitions were held in Enoshima Bay between the 25th of July and the 4th of August 2021. The climatological and the strategical analysis of the race area for the Swedish Sailing Team was developed in the three years prior to the Olympics (Masino et al., 2021). The result of the three years’ research was a tool named ”Call Book” that provides strategical rules for sailors and coaches both in terms of expected ranges of wind speed and direction and also in terms of trends with explanations for each identified weather pattern. The support team was working not only on the forecast but also on the specific analysis of the weather data in the race areas as measured on the water by the Olympics organizing authorities and monitored through the SAP Analytics website (SAP Sailing Analytics, 2021). Two race areas are herein taken into consideration, namely Enoshima and Zushi, where the Swedish Team athletes sailed most of the races. A statistical meta-analysis on the comparison between the forecast issued using the ”Call Book” and measured data on the race areas is carried out, investigating the specific outcome of the strategy of the races with the forecasted meteorological data.

Ultraviolet exposure of competitors during a Tokyo Olympic Sailing Regatta Test Event.

Overexposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Photoprotection practices and sunburn play a crucial role in skin cancer prevention. This study aimed to quantify the risk of sun exposure and to evaluate photoprotection practices in Spanish sailors during Olympic competitions. Solar daily ultraviolet (UV) radiation cycle, personal UV dosimetry, photoprotection practices and sunburn checking were followed during three consecutive days of competition among sailors from the Spanish Olympic Sailing Team during a Tokyo Olympic Regatta Test Event. A total of 13 sailors (7 women), with mean age of 27.6 ± 4.7 years and sports experience of 17.7 ± 5.4 years, were studied. The most common phototypes were type III (53.8%) and type II (38.5%). The rate of sunburn checked was high (46.2%). The mean daily personal UV exposure received was 761.0 ± 263.6J/m2 , 3.0 ± 1.1 minimal erythemal dose and 7.6 ± 2.6 standard erythemal dose, seven times greater than the maximum permissible UV light exposure values for an 8 h working day. The use of a T-shirt was the most common practice (94.2%), followed by the use of shade (50.2%), hat/cap (44.0%), sunglasses (26.1%) and sunscreen (11.8%). Olympic sailor's studies presented high levels of UV radiation received, high rate of sunburn and insufficient adherence to sun-protective behaviours (especially, to use of sunscreen) to prevent sunburn, the main cause of skin cancer. Sport Federations should develop educational campaigns addressing sun-related exposure habits and photoprotection behaviours to reduce the risk of skin cancer among these athletes.

Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, Fushan Bay, China

Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, Fushan Bay, China

On the remote estimation of Ulva prolifera areal coverage and biomass

Since the outbreak of a large-scale Ulva prolifera bloom in the Yellow Sea during the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Competition in summer 2008, Ulva blooms have been a marine hazard every summer. Accurate and timely information on Ulva areal coverage and biomass is of critical importance for governmental responses, decision making, and field studies. Previous studies have shown that satellite remote sensing is the most effective method for this purpose, yet Ulva areal coverage has been estimated in different ways with significantly different results. The objective of this paper is to determine the lower and upper bounds (T0 and T1) of algae-containing pixels in Floating Algae Index images with an objective method that accurately estimates the Ulva areal coverage in individual images, and then converts coverage to biomass using a previously established conversion equation. First, a seawater background image, FAIsw, is constructed to determine T0, which varies for different algae patches. Then, T1 is determined from water tank and in situ measurements as well as radiative transfer simulations to account for different sensor configurations, solar/viewing geometry, and atmospheric conditions. Such determined T1 for MODIS 250-m resolution data is validated using concurrent and collocated 2-m resolution WorldView-2 data. Finally, Ulva areal coverage derived from MODIS data using this method are compared with those from the high-resolution data (OLI/Landsat, WFV/GaoFen-1), with a mean relative difference of 9.6%. Furthermore, an analysis of 17 same-day MODIS/Terra and MODIS/Aqua image pairs shows that large viewing angles, atmospheric turbidity, and sunglint can lead to an underestimation of Ulva coverage of up to 45% under extreme conditions.

Muscle skin temperature responses for hamstring and quadriceps to aerobic and anaerobic test conditions in Turkish Olympic Sailing Athletes

Olympic class sailing is a competitive sport and requires several abilities. An understanding of the responses to aerobic and anaerobic loading will be useful for assessing the training programs, protective strategies and possibility of injuries. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine lower extremity main muscles skin temperature responses to aerobic and anaerobic test conditions in Turkish Olympic Sailing Athletes. Eighteen sailing athletes were assessed during preseasonal assessment period. Temperatures of quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups were evaluated bilaterally during rest and after Wingate Treadmill tests. Wingate test was accepted as an indicator of anaerobic performance and Treadmill test as an aerobic performance. Infrared thermography was performed to assess the skin temperature at anterior and posterior parts of thigh for both legs. In the triplicate comparison, the temperature changes between the rest, aerobic test and anaerobic test conditions were significant (p < 0.05). In the analysis to determine the difference between the compared groups; for both muscle groups, temperature change after anaerobic performance was not significant; in contrast to this result the change in muscle temperature after aerobic performance was significant (p < 0.05). Energetic—metabolic activity of major muscle groups of lower extremities during aerobic and anaerobic performance are important for injury prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and return to play. Present study shows that aerobic performance or activities requires higher energetic-metabolic activity.

Olympic Sailing Star to Open MACH 2018

Olympic Sailing Star to Open MACH 2018

Ultrahigh resolution wind forecasting for the sailing events at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympic Games

ABSTRACTThe current study presents AEOLUS‐RIO2016, an ultrahigh resolution wind forecasting system that was developed and implemented operationally for supporting the Hellenic Olympic Sailing Team during the sailing events at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympic Games. The forecasting system was built around the state‐of‐the‐art numerical weather prediction Weather Research and Forecasting model, ported to a high performance computing infrastructure that ensured the reliability and timeliness of the provided service. Advanced web mapping tools were employed for communicating forecasts effectively to the athletes and coaches throughout the period of the sailing events. Prior to the operational deployment of AEOLUS‐RIO2016, sensitivity experiments were carried out, focusing on the representation of topography and land use and aiming at improving wind forecasts. The results suggest that the employment of very high resolution and up‐to‐date terrestrial data allowed model performance to be improved, especially in terms of the wind direction guidance provided. Considering the period of the sailing events, the evaluation of AEOLUS‐RIO2016 revealed an overall satisfactory performance. Notably, however, it was found that the system failed to provide reliable wind guidance on specific days. A posteriori implementation of the model using an alternative source for providing initial and lateral boundary conditions showed notable improvements in model performance.

Olympic class laser sailing dinghy uses world class composite materials

The International Laser Class sailboat, also referred to as the Laser Standard, but most commonly called a Laser®, is a popular one-design fiberglass dinghy that is sailed the world over, with sales in excess of 220,000 boats. Over the last 46 years, Laser has grown to become a globally recognized sailing class and brand. It received a massive popularity boost in 1996 when Laser Standard became a new single-handed men's Olympic sailing class, with Robert Scheidt of Brazil (Gold), Ben Ainsle of GB (Silver) and Peer Moberg of Norway (Bronze) winning the first Laser class Olympic games medals in Atlanta, USA. In 2008, the Laser Radial, with a smaller sail, was first sailed as a new women's single-handed Olympic-class boat in Beijing.

An Olympic performance

A look at the benefits of real time, fully automatic cycle data management, a technology that has featured in both the success enjoyed by Team GB's Olympic sailing and rowing squads and, more recently, as part of the America's Cup challenge

Physical Requirements in Olympic Sailing

Physical Requirements in Olympic Sailing

Association between Pressure Pain Sensitivity, Performance stability and Overall Performance in Olympic Sailors

Background: During sports competitions, the performance of athletes may be negatively affected by persistent stress and autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, both of which can be assessed by pressure pain sensitivity (PPS) at the chest bone. Objectives: To test the association between PPS and sports performance; does a reduction of an elevated PPS improve performance stability and overall performance in Olympic sailors? Methods: The case study included two male athletes during eight months of observation prior to and during Olympic sailing. The daily PPS self-measurements served as feedback guide for persistent stress and ANS dysfunction. Performance stability, overall performance and PPS measure were assessed at three intervals. Results: At baseline, the median PPS was 83, the performance stability was inferior to the mean top 10 competitors, and the overall performance was rank eight. During the observation period, PPS, performance stability and overall performance improved incrementally and significantly. This eventually led the sailors to achieve an Olympic Gold. The PPS, performance stability, and overall performance were all internally closely associated (correlation coefficients: r > 0.70; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study may suggest a link between persistent stress and ANS dysfunction as assessed by PPS on one side and performance stability and overall performance on the other side.

Arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament reconstruction using an autogenic gracilis tendon

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the most commonly reported injury in Olympic class sailing, accounting for up to 53% of all injuries. Despite the propensity for LBP in sailors, there has been limited investigation of risk factors associated with seasonal LBP incidence. Musculoskeletal screening has proven effective in identifying risk factors for seasonal injury in athletic populations, although no such research has been reported in sailors. The aim of this study was to determine whether musculoskeletal screening could predict seasonal LBP in this population. Methods: A 12-month (October 2011–2012) retrospective analysis of injury surveillance data was performed for members of the Australian Sailing Team, state representative sailing teams, and Australian Sailing Team invitees (age 16–30 years, N=22). Musculoskeletal screening, incorporating various mobility, stability and strength tests, was undertaken at the start of the sailing season. Recorded seasonal injury data were classified according to the Orchard Injury Classification System Version 10 to determine the incidence of LBP. Logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify any screening measures predictive of LBP. Results: An injury incidence rate of 2.7 (injury requiring treatment) and 0.5 (injury resulting in modified/lost participation) per athlete were recorded, with the lumbar spine accounting for the main site of injury (28% and 36%, respectively). In terms of athlete disability, LBP accounted for the highest number of days of modified participation (average 28 days), and the second highest number of days of lost participation (average 16 days). Over the 12-month review period 75% of LBP occurred in the second six monthsof the season.Nosignificantlypredictive relationshipswere observed between any of the musculoskeletal screening measures and LBP incidence. However, increasing age was significantly (p=0.03) associated with increased risk of LBP, with an OR of 1.46 (95% CI 1.04–2.04). Discussion: Currentmusculoskeletal screeningprotocols donot adequately assess the risk of seasonal LBP in Olympic class sailors. Given that older Olympic class sailors are more at risk of experiencing seasonal LBP, and potential disability throughmodified or lost participation, coaches and sportsmedicine support staff should implement appropriate intervention strategies that limit the risk of seasonal LBP to these individuals. Consideration should be given to age-specific lumbar spine functioning, particularly in the second half of the season when athletes are engaged in significant international travel and competition. Future research should focus on identifying suitable musculoskeletal screening protocols that can predict seasonal LBP in Olympic class sailing.

Physical requirements in Olympic sailing

Physical fitness and muscular strength are important performance parameters in Olympic sailing although their relative importance changes between classes. The Olympic format consists of eight yacht types combined into 10 so-called events with total 15 sailors (male and female) in a complete national Olympic delegation. The yachts have different requirements with respect to handling, and moreover, each sailor plays a specific role when sailing. Therefore physical demands remain heterogeneous for Olympic sailors. Previous studies have mainly examined sailors where ‘hiking’ (the task of leaning over the side of the yacht to increase righting moment) is the primary requirement. Other than the ability to sustain prolonged quasi-isometric contractions, hiking seems to require significant maximal muscle strength especially in knee extensors, hip flexors and abdominal and lower back muscles. Another group of studies has investigated boardsailing and provided evidence to show that windsurfing requires very high aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Although data exist on other types of sailors, the information is limited, and moreover the profile of the Olympic events has changed markedly over the last few years to involve more agile, fast and spectacular yachts. The change of events in Olympic sailing has likely added to physical requirements; however, data on sailors in the modern-type yachts are scarce. The present paper describes the recent developments in Olympic sailing with respect to yacht types, and reviews the existing knowledge on physical requirements in modern Olympic sailing. Finally, recommendations for future research in sailing are given.

ABEL-SPORT™ TEST FOR ASSESSING OVER TRAINING SYNDROME AND DETECTING INFECTION

There are many tests available to the sports science team to manage training loads and measure the effects of physical, psychological, environmental and physiological interventions. However, those that aim to...

Molecular tools for monitoring harmful algal blooms

The world's oceans cover 70 % of the Earth's surface, and their dominant populations, both numerically and biomasswise, belong to microscopic protists and prokaryotes. The marine phytoplanktons are major components of both groups and are, by definition, high dispersal taxa with large population sizes. Small photosynthetic organisms are responsible for the bulk of primary production in oceanic and neritic waters. Microalgae in marine and brackish waters of Europe regularly cause harmful effects, considered from the human perspective, in that they cause economic damage to fisheries and tourism. Cyanobacteria cause similar problems in freshwaters. These episodes encompass a broad range of phenomena collectively referred to as ‘harmful algal blooms’ (HABs). For adequate management of these phenomena, monitoring of microalgae is required. However, present day monitoring is time consuming and based on morphology as determined by light microscopy, which may be insufficient to give definitive species and toxin attribution. The public perception of harmful algal blooms is often that of eutrophication, where increased nutrient loading results in large biomass blooms, which have a consequent effect on water quality (anoxia) and the ecosystem through substantial alterations in both the benthic and pelagic ecology. All too often, events that directly or indirectly relate to increased nutrients, such as dead zones in the northern Gulf of Mexico, a huge clean-up operation following an Enteromorpha bloom off Qingdao in time for the Olympic sailing competition in 2008 or the knock-on effects of hydrogen sulphide toxicity caused by rotting vegetation following extensive growth of both macro- (Ulva, Brittany coast of France) and micro- (Phaeocystis, North Wales, UK) algae, find substantial room in the popular press. What is less well-known is that HABs caused by toxinproducing algae have not only a far more serious impact on the quality of life, but also they are entirely natural. Anthropogenic impacts on toxic HABs are limited to either their global spread through potential transport vectors, such as ballast water of ships, or because of alterations in the coastline resulting from the construction of harbours and marinas, particularly around the Mediterranean coast, which promotes the development of chronic dinoflagellate blooms, such as the paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxin producer Alexandrium.

Weather Support for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Events

The Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Competitions (referred to as OPSC hereafter) were held at Qingdao during August 9–23 and September 7–13 2008, respectively. The Qingdao Meteorological Bureau was the official provider of weather support for the OPSC. Three-dimensional real-time information with high spatial-temporal resolution was obtained by the comprehensive observation system during the OPSC, which included weather radars, wind profile radars, buoys, automated weather stations, and other conventional observations. The refined forecasting system based on MM5, WRF, and statistical modules provided point-specific hourly wind forecasts for the five venues, and the severe weather monitoring and forecasting system was used in short-term forecasts and nowcasts for rainstorms, gales, and hailstones. Moreover, latest forecasting products, warnings, and weather information were communicated conveniently and timely through a synthetic, speedy, and digitalized network system to different customers. Daily weather information briefings, notice boards, websites, and community short messages were the main approaches for regatta organizers, athletes, and coaches to receive weather service products at 8:00 PM of each day and whenever new updates were available. During the period of OPSC, almost one hundred people were involved in the weather service with innovative service concept, and the weather support was found to be successful and helpful to the OPSC.

Dietary supplementation and doping-related factors in high-level sailing

BackgroundAlthough dietary supplements (DSs) in sports are considered a natural need resulting from athletes’ increased physical demands, and although they are often consumed by athletes, data on DS usage in Olympic sailing are scarce. The aim of this study was to study the use of and attitudes towards DSs and doping problems in high-level competitive sailing.MethodsThe sample consisted of 44 high-level sailing athletes (5 of whom were female; total mean age 24.13 ± 6.67 years) and 34 coaches (1 of whom was female; total mean age 37.01 ± 11.70). An extensive, self-administered questionnaire of substance use was used, and the subjects were asked about sociodemographic data, sport-related factors, DS-related factors (i.e., usage of and knowledge about DSs, sources of information), and doping-related factors. The Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA was used to determine the differences in group characteristics, and Spearman’s rank order correlation and a logistic regression analysis were used to define the relationships between the studied variables.ResultsDS usage is relatively high. More than 77% of athletes consume DSs, and 38% do so on a regular basis (daily). The athletes place a high degree of trust in their coaches and/or physicians regarding DSs and doping. The most important reason for not consuming DSs is the opinion that DSs are useless and a lack of knowledge about DSs. The likelihood of doping is low, and one-third of the subjects believe that doping occurs in sailing (no significant differences between athletes and coaches). The logistic regression found crew number (i.e., single vs. double crew) to be the single significant predictor of DS usage, with a higher probability of DS consumption among single crews.ConclusionBecause of the high consumption of DSs future investigations should focus on real nutritional needs in sailing sport. Also, since athletes reported that their coaches are the primary source of information about nutrition and DSs, further studies are necessary to determine the knowledge about nutrition, DSs and doping problems among athletes and their support teams (i.e., coaches, physicians, and strength and conditioning specialists).

Improving comfort while hiking in a sailing boat

The paper presents the changes in perceived comfort while hiking in a sailing boat (in this case the Laser, a single-handed Olympic dinghy) due to a new design of hiking pads. The project used a ‘research by design method’. The aim was to improve sailing comfort which leads to lower fatigue and therefor improved performance. While hiking, a large force is exerted on the thigh of the sailor by the boat rim while existing hiking pads only partly distribute this force over the upper leg. In order to find directions for improvements we analyzed the interaction between upper leg and boat rim and forces involved, studied the anatomy of the upper leg and quantified the pressure distribution over the upper leg using an experimental set-up. A new hiking pad was designed and tests showed an improved pressure distribution over the upper leg. First field test showed positive results. The hiking pads will be made available to the Dutch Olympic Sailing Team in order to improve their competitiveness at the 2012 Olympics in Weymouth.