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The aim of this study was to evaluate the energy demands of sailing the new Neilpryde RS:X Ò Olympic windsurf board. Ten skilled male subjects performed an exhaustive incremental treadmill test to determine their maximal physiological parameters. Thereafter, four tests were performed in a randomised order using two wind conditions, light [2-4 ms -1 (4-8 knots)] and strong: [9-11 ms -1 (16-22 knots)]. Oxygen consumption ( _ VO 2 ; ml min -1 kg -1 ), blood lactate concentration ([la] b , mmol l -1 ), and time spent pumping (% total time) were recorded during 10 min of up-wind leg and during 6 min of down-wind leg.The results indicate that sailing on RS:X is associated with a high level of energy demand using both aerobic and anaerobic pathways whatever the wind conditions. During the down-wind leg, _ VO 2 (ml min -1 kg -1 ), [la] b (mmol l -1 ), and time spent pumping (% total time) values for the light and strong wind conditions were 56.5 ± 5.9 versus 55.5 ± 3.6; 10.2 ± 1.5 versus 9.6 ± 2.3, and 69 ± 5 versus 64 ± 2%, respectively. In contrast, during up-wind leg the same parameters for light and strong wind were 53.9 ± 4.5 versus 40.4 ± 7.2; 9.7 ± 2.8 versus 5.0 ± 2.7 and 66 ± 3 versus 37 ± 8%, respectively. During the up-wind leg with strong wind conditions, less time was spent pumping (p < 0.05), mean oxygen consumption values were close to 60% _ VO 2 max ; and post-exercise blood lactate was less than 50% maximal lactate concentration. These results could be related to the time spent in pumping action, involving whole body activity. When sailing with the RS:X board, the physiological demand seems to be higher than with the previous official Olympic windsurf board [Mistral One Design Ò (MOD)]. This difference could be mainly attributed to the specific biomechanical constraints induced by each board characteristic.

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The Olympic classes introduced since 2000 (49erFX, 49er, Nacra 17) have resulted in a rise in injuries.

Background The competitive youth sailor appears to be at risk for injuries, but there are few reports on their injury patterns. Objective To describe the incidence, pattern, and severity of sailing-related injuries and illnesses among competitive youth sailors. Design Retrospective descriptive study. Setting Prior to and during the 43rd ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship, sailors were invited to answer an interviewer-administered 12-month recall questionnaire. Participants Participating sailors of the ISAF World Youth Sailing Championship, 13–20 July 2013, Limassol, Cyprus. Risk factor assessment The following risk factors were studied: training load; participation in other sport; use of sunscreen/lifejacket; alcohol and drug consumption. Main outcome measurements The occurrence or non-occurrence of sailing-related injuries and illnesses; the number of injuries; the site, type, cause/mechanism of injury; and contributing factors to injury. Results 287 (82%) out of 351 sailors completed the questionnaire. 50 sailors reported a total of 60 injuries. The rate of injury was 0.42 injuries per 1000 hours of sailing. The 3 most injured sites were the lower back (24%), knee (18%) and ankle (9%). The top 3 injury types were sprain (21%), muscle strain/tear (16%), and muscle cramp/spasm (16%). No associations were found between injury occurrence and age, gender, class, helm/crew position, participation in other sport, years competing, and training load. Medical care was sought for 17% of injuries, and 12% were considered severe. Of the nine illnesses, sunburn was the most common symptom (29%) and the dermatological system was most commonly affected (44%). Conclusions Competitive youth sailors report mainly lower back and knee injuries, similar to studies of elite adult sailors. Half of the injuries were attributed to overuse, while a significant proportion (31%) were acute. Compared to adult sailors, a higher proportion of youth sailors required rest from sailing, although they had less injury per 1000 sailing hours. This study informs future efforts in injury prevention and recovery in youth sailors.