Factors Related to the Performance of Elite Young Sailors in a Regatta: Spatial Orientation, Age and Experience

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the role of spatial orientation in the performance of sport sailors. Participants were 30 elite male sailors from classes 420, Laser, Windsurfing RS:X and Windsurfing Techno, grouped into two categories: Monohull (18 sailors) and Windsurfing (12 sailors). Ages ranged between 13 and 18 years old (M = 15.7, SD = 1.05). To assess spatial orientation, the Perspective Taking/Spatial Orientation Test was used, and performance was inferred from the final classification at the regatta. In addition, the influence of experience and age on the performance was analyzed. The results show that in the Monohull group, the performance is determined by the spatial orientation (18% of the explained variance), while in the Windsurfing group, the variables that are related to performance are sailing experience and age (60% of the explained variance). Spatial orientation seems to be the more important variable for performance in the Monohull group, while in classes belonging to the Windsurfing group, this variable does not seem to be decisive for obtaining good results in the regatta.

Considering perceptual experiences and adaptive actions in performance analysis of elite Formula Kite riders by combining qualitative data and measured key indicators of performance

“…5 Research on sailing in sports science has focused on three main topics: (a) physical characteristics of the sailors, studying the biomechanical, physiological, and anthropometric determinants of performance, [6][7][8][9] (b) psychological aspects of performance, studying the process of decision-making with regard to strategic choices, 10,11 and (c) statistical analysis of GPS data to compare the speed and distance covered by the sailors. 2,[12][13][14] For example, in Formula Kite, the speed, distance traveled, number of maneuvers, and time spent on the courses of upwind, downwind, and beam reach of Olympic sailors were analyzed. 2 To do so, researchers used data collected through the SAP-Sailing® application during Formula Kite-class World Cups.…”