Performance analysis of Paralympic 2.4mR class sailing.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Paralympic Sports
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Adapted sailing allows diverse athletes to compete in the 2.4mR class.
• Eligible impairments include limb deficiency and vision impairment.
• Key performance determinants in adapted sailing remain under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify sailing performance variables.
• Analyze the influence of impairment type on performance.
• Analyze the influence of wind force on performance.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-three elite sailors with disabilities participated.
• Athletes were grouped by impairment type: upper limb, lower limb, or both.
• Performance assessed during three 2.4mR World Cups, measuring velocity made good, distance, and maneuvers.

Main Results:

• Sailors with better performance covered less distance during downwind legs.
• Performance was not significantly affected by the type of impairment.
• Athletes with lesser disabilities showed improved performance in medium and high winds.

Conclusions:

• Sailing performance in the 2.4mR class is influenced by downwind distance and wind conditions.
• The type of impairment does not appear to be a limiting factor for performance.
• Wind force plays a significant role, particularly for sailors with less severe impairments.