Key performance indicators of Olympic windsurfers during a World Cup: RS:X class®

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to analyse differences in velocity, distance travelled and manoeuvres performed by Olympic sailors of the RS:X class using a GPS device. Fifty-three Olympic sailors of the RS:X class (28 males and 25 females) who competed in a World Championship were selected. The sample was divided into tertiles (T1, T2 and T3) according to their classification in the competition. Using a GPS device during the competition, mean velocity (VM), velocity made good (VMG), manoeuvres and distances in three different courses (upwind, reaching and downwind) were assessed during a regatta. Significant differences were found based on performance level in upwind (p < 0.001; ${\eta }_p^2$ = 0.288), sailors of T1 covering a shorter distance compared to those of T2 (p < 0.009) and T3 (p < 0.001). Regarding VMG, an effect was observed for performance level in upwind (p < 0.001; ${\eta }_p^2$ = 0.718), reaching (p < 0.001; ${\eta }_p^2$ = 0.469) and downwind (p < 0.001; ${\eta }_p^2$ = 0.575). Females covered a shorter distance compared to the males in upwind (p < 0.001; ${\eta }_p^2$ = 0.639) and downwind (p < 0.001; ${\eta }_p^2$ = 0.903). Distance and VMG are significant variables for establishing differences in performance level among Olympic sailors of the RS:X class when the wind speed is in a range of 8–21 knots.

KEYWORDS:

• Tactic
• Olympic
• sport performance
• windsurfing
• GPS

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.