This study presents an anthropometric and functional descriptive analysis of young Optimist dinghy sailors, competitors of the Rio de Janeiro State Sailing Championship, in 2006. There were evaluated 50 male sailors, 17 from the infant category and 33 from the junior category. Infant category sailors presented the following descriptive values (mean values ± standard deviation): 152.8 ± 5.8 cm of height, 45.6 ± 5.5 kg of body mass, 19.6 ± 2.8 kg/m² of BMI, and 23.9 ± 7.0% of body fat. Regarding the functional characteristics, handgrip strength was 22.5 ± 2.9 kgf and vertical jump height was 25.5 ± 4.8 cm. Junior category had mean stature of 161.7 ± 7.7 cm, body mass of 48.9 ± 7.5 kg, BMI of 18.7 ± 2.2 kg/m²; fat percentage of 18.6 ± 5.5%, handgrip strength of 29.6 ± 5.5 kgf and mean vertical jump height of 31.6 ± 4.7 cm. Junior category was significant taller and stronger than Infant category (p < 0.05). However, the fat percentage was significant lower, resulting in similar BMI and body mass between categories. The results indicate that Junior sailors have a thinner body profile, higher handgrip strength and height are followed by a reduction of the percentage of body fat and maintenance of body mass within limits that are not harmful to the athlete's performance in Optimist boats.
Anthropometric; Optimist; Infants; Adolescents; Sailors
