GPS to assess an Olympic regatta: 49er and 49erFX classes

Abstract

During a regatta, the influence of wind speed on the velocity of the boat, the distance covered and the manoeuvres carried out has not been clarified to date in the 49er and 49erFX classes. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to analyse how these variables are affected by wind speed during a regatta. The sample consisted of 39 Olympic sailors from the 49erFX and 49er classes, who participated in a World Cup. Velocity, velocity made good (VMG), distance and manoeuvres were evaluated in the upwind and downwind legs using global positioning system (GPS) devices. In both classes, it was observed that mean velocity, VMG and distance travelled increased as the wind velocity increased in upwind and downwind legs. The velocity, the distance travelled and the manoeuvres carried out are conditioned by wind speed in both upwind and downwind legs in the 49er and 49erFX classes.