At the Olympic Games this summer, the regattas contested in Marseille on foil supports will be won on microdetails. An exciting research program began four years ago to improve performance. Three supports are concerned: the Nacra 17 catamaran, kitefoil and foil windsurfing (IQ foil), contested among boys and girls. Five medals are at stake, with French representatives claiming serious medal chances. But, as in all new disciplines, the hierarchy is quickly reshuffled. The smallest detail, changes in settings or the way of sailing can suddenly influence the level of performance and the final ranking.
“From carbon to Olympic gold”
In order to optimize the chances of winning a medal, a program entitled “From carbon to Olympic gold” was launched four years ago, combining the skills of specialists from the Ecole Navale, Ifremer, Nantes University, École Polytechnique, the National Sailing School and the French Sailing Federation…
Through laboratory tests (wind tunnel and traction bench) and training using sensors, scientists have dissected each discipline, from the equipment to the position and equipment of the athletes.
Gain the right pounds
They looked at everything, starting with the problem of the weight of the participants, considered essential for the proper functioning of the foil. They quickly understood that increasing the weight of the athletes favored the speed and efficiency of the foil.
“We worked on this notion of weight and the consequences induced at all levels, up to and including the mental balance of athletes which should not be neglected. We also succeeded in showing that weight was not everything, that muscular density was needed to generate a targeted developed power, with sufficient explosiveness to promote take-off and pumping,” summarizes Pierre Noesmoen, in charge of preparation. in IQ Foil.
If the weight gain has been general, the trend would currently be downward, below 100 kg for men. More muscles, less fat volume and an aerodynamic position to optimize during flight.
Reduce air resistance
The researchers also highlighted the issues of air penetration of the rig and the practitioner, by demonstrating the impact of certain positions or settings.
Sail profile, foil geometry (development of tools to precisely measure adjustment changes), position of the user in flight… They went so far as to show the incidence of ill-fitting clothing and the importance of the anti-impact vest in the penetration into the air. No more chasubles and sleeves flapping in the wind. As with cycling, tight-fitting clothing is essential at these speeds. “We even measured the incidence of long hair behind the helmet,” laugh Benoît Augier, hydrology researcher at Ifremer, and Pierre Noesmoen.
Testing of equipment for the Games
But there’s no way to find out more before the Olympics! “We can simply tell you that our research has made it possible to modify certain positions and correct a lot of things.” Among the three batches of equipment received for this summer, the athletes chose the most efficient and the most adapted to the water body and, to its conditions, with the help of laboratory tests (test benches) and regattas in direct confrontations.
The equipment may come from the same factories, but there are always micro-differences to take into account. This is the first time that research has put so many resources into supporting Olympic sailing events. For what result? Verdict this summer in Marseille where the air density and water temperature were also subject to specific adjustments.
