# Audio Feedback with the Use of a Smartphone in Sailing Training among Windsurfers
###### Abstract  
The open-water training conditions in sailing sports limit the coach's ability to provide instructions. Auditory feedback provided using a smartphone application in real-time seems to be a promising tool in the training process. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of a smartphone application created to support tactical decisions via an auditory display. Thirteen successful windsurfers competing in RS:X class took part in the study. The results, collected with the use of a questionnaire, related to the technical and aesthetic aspects of the functions as well as decision-making assistance of the application during upwind sailing races. Most of the competitors positively evaluated application function (54-85%). Real-time information about the deviation from the set course and information about potential tack change due to a changed wind direction were statistically significantly more helpful for less experienced windsurfers (rho = \(-\)0.68 and rho = \(-\)0.78, respectively) and those with lower sports level (rho = \(-\)0.63 and rho = \(-\)0.65, respectively). It can be concluded that the use of sound feedback in the conditions of training on-water in sailing has potential, primarily for younger and less experienced competitors. Quantitative evaluations of the sailing performance should be considered in further research on the functionality of the application. auditory clues; windsurfing; GNSS; application for smartphone +
Footnote †: journal: _Sciences_  
0000-0002-2000-2000-2000-2000-20000-20000-2000-2000-20000-2000-20000-200  
as well as training races, the coach's support is usually provided only before or after the task; the support during sailing is basically impossible due to the distance from the competitors on the body of water. The introduction of a high-performance virtual trainer can improve the decision-making in safe and desired environments [6; 7]. Virtual simulators are a relatively new and promising way for athletes to practice their skills in specific situations, improving the speed of learning certain skills. However, sailing sports are cognitively demanding activities that require constant perception of different information from the environment and its processing. Training in virtual situations often does not translate to the training conditions in the real world. In the context of scientific verification of training effects, the significant differences between laboratory studies and representative experimental settings were indicated [8], and research should take place, wherever feasible, in situations that replicate the natural environment as closely as possible [9]. Further work on the development of simulators was undertaken assuming that training competitive sailing in a virtual setting should apply the motion of the boat as well as haptic feedback of the sail lines [10]. This effect was sought using an electronic mainsheet force feedback system and a novel motion platform with high roll motion angles, combined with a high-quality graphical sailing simulation. However, designing such simulators appears difficult and complex, since multi-disciplinary design teams are needed, as well as extensive user testing to fine-tune the settings. A promising method that can support the decision-making skills in real on-water sailing and windsurfing training is to apply augmented audio feedback. In general, the visual sense dominates the perception of important aspects needed during open water races, such as the personal position and actions of other competitors, sea condition, and wind direction. For example, better sailing performance is related to visual search behavior, like gazing to the tangent point of the windward mark [11]. Therefore, the advantages of auditory feedback seem to be promising in the dynamic conditions of sailing sports, since they can allow the competitor to focus on other tasks.