Physiological Characteristics of America’s Cup Sailors.

The aim of this study was to assess the physiological profile of America's Cup grinders and mastmen, by measuring energy expenditure during sailing and assessing their aerobic and anaerobic fitness. The study focused on estimating the energy used during grinding activity, by measuring oxygen uptake (VO2) during sail setting in real sailing conditions. In the laboratory, using an arm-cranking ergometer, we measured VO2peak during an incremental maximal exercise test and total energy expended during the effort and recovery phases of an all-out test that simulated grinding activity, in six grinders and mastmen and ten sailors of the same crew. Total energy used during grinding corresponded to 45% (s = 9) and 51% (s = 5) of that used in the all-out test (234 kJ, s = 21.7) for tacks and gybes, respectively. In both grinding activity and the all-out test, VO2 increased during and after the effort. The "VO2 top value" was 53% (s = 8.6), 68% (s = 5.5), and 78% (s = 3. 1) of VO2peak (4.7 1 center dot min(-1), s = 0.43) in tacks, gybes, and the all-out test, respectively. Puring fast sequences of grinding activity, the "VO2 top value" reached 65% (s = 7. 1) VO2peak in tacks and 91% (s = 3.3) VO2peak in gybes. Our results suggest that grinders and mastmen are characterized by a high anaerobic capacity but their performance can be improved by powering aerobic fitness, to increase this energy contribution to all-out efforts and to guarantee fast recovery when grinding activity is repeated with short rest intervals