Abstract
Background
Injuries and illnesses during ocean sailboat racing are well studied, but little if anything has been published about such events in the Great Lakes. Sailboat races vary in distance and duration, and take place regardless of weather conditions. Sailboat racing is a relatively safe sport given its implicit hazards associated with the boat maneuvering and exposure to the elements. Nonetheless, there have been significant tragedies. Recent improvements in safety gear and advances in technology have allowed for more acute medical management of sailors.
Objective
This study investigates the relative frequency of injuries and illnesses sustained during offshore sailboat racing in the Great Lakes, which has never been reported. These results will be compared with those published in a study that investigated the same occurrences during the Newport Bermuda ocean race to determine whether there is a difference in frequency or type found on the open ocean versus the Great Lakes.
Methods
The study design was prospective, descriptive, and observational. Surveys were self-reported and collected after the race from the boat representative. De-identified data were entered into a Microsoft Excel database and analyzed by a professional statistician.
Results
In 2013, representatives of 164 boats responded to the survey in one offshore race, which represented 1260 sailors; 146 illnesses were reported, and 9 boats reported at least 1 injury. In 2014, representatives of 435 boats responded to the survey in two offshore races, which represented 3525 sailors. The 2014 data are still being analyzed.
Conclusions
The 2013 rate of injury and illnesses in the Great Lakes was significant at 125 per 1000 races per sailor when compared with the Newport Bermuda race at only 12. Injuries in the form of contusions were most common in the Great Lakes races as opposed to lacerations in the ocean races, and seasickness was the most common illness in both environments.