No abstract

No abstract

The hypothesis, that sailing upwind in wind speeds above 12 knots causes fatigue, which manifests as a reduction in exerted hiking strap force and/or maximal isometric voluntary contraction force (MVC) of the knee extensors, was evaluated. Additionally, it was investigated if a relationship exists between maximal exerted hiking force (hMVC) and sailing performance. In part 1 of the study, 12 national level athletes sailed upwind for 2 × 10 min while hiking strap forces were continuously acquired. Before, in between and after sailing periods, the MVC of the knee extensors was measured. In part 2 of the study, hMVC was measured dry land in a hiking bench and correlated with the overall results at a national championship. Hiking strap force decreased from the first to the last minute in both 10 min sailing periods (430 ± 131 vs. 285 ± 130 N, P < .001 and 369 ± 74 vs. 267 ± 97 N, P < .001, respectively), but MVC was similar before, between and after the two 10 min sailing periods (878 ± 215 vs. 852 ± 202 vs. 844 ± 211 130 N). In part 2, a significant positive correlation (r = 0.619, P < .01) was observed between hMVC and regatta results. In conclusion, upwind sailing in wind speeds above 12 knots causes sailing-specific fatigue as evidenced by a marked reduction in exerted hiking strap force. However, MVC of the knee extensors was not compromised ∼45 s after hiking was terminated. Additionally, sailing performance is related to maximal hiking force.

It was investigated whether a newly developed discipline-specific test for elite-level trapeze sailors is reliable and sensitive. Furthermore, the physical demands of trapeze sailing were examined. In part 1, 9 national team athletes were accustomed to a simulated sailing test, which subsequently was completed on 4 occasions to determine test reliability and sensitivity to manipulations in body weight. Rope-pulling mean power output (MPO), oxygen consumption (VO ), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate values were acquired in all trials. In part 2, 6 sailors completed on-water racing with concurrent measurements of VO , HR, and blood lactate. VO was determined during an incremental treadmill running test. Typical error, minimal difference, and ICC for average MPO in the test were 1.3%, 1.7%, and 0.99%, respectively. Adding 4 kg of external body weight caused a decrease in average MPO (270 ± 45W vs 265 ± 45W, P < .05) and an increase in VO (2.44 ± 0.23 L·min vs 2.55 ± 0.26 L·min , P < .01). VO , HR, and blood lactate during on-water sailing were 54.5% ± 7.2% VO , 75.1% ± 3.1% HR , and 5.8 ± 2.7 mmol·L , respectively. However, VO and HR were substantially higher for periods of the race as peak values were 83.5% ± 11.4% and 89.9% ± 1.7% of max, respectively. In conclusion, the present test is reliable and sensitive, thus providing a sailing-specific alternative to traditional physical testing of elite trapeze sailors. Additionally, on-water racing requires moderate aerobic energy production, although oxygen consumption can approach maximal levels for short periods of time.

No abstract