## 4 Discussion
### Limitations of the Study  
In this study, only the BIA method was used to analyze body composition. It is well known that hydration levels can significantly influence impedance readings. Dehydration or overhydration can lead to incorrect estimates of fat mass or lean mass. Although the measurement protocol was the same for all sailors, the hydration status was not controlled for by any method. Among the other body composition methods, e.g., Heath-Charter or Durmin-Womersley, BIA was chosen as it is the fastest method for estimating body composition. Given the advancing understanding of body composition, future research should consider integrating a broader set of anthropometric parameters to enhance the accuracy and applicability of various body composition assessment methods.  
The group sizes of the sailors, categorized based on overall success in this study, were unequal, which may have influenced the statistical power of the analysis. Although squared eta (\(\eta^{2}\)) coefficients were calculated, alternative methods such as [PERSON]'s ANOVA, which accounts for unequal variances, could also be employed. Where feasible, future research should aim to balance group sizes to improve the robustness of statistical comparisons.  
Only anthropometric parameters were assessed, limiting the ability to directly analyze the influence of functional and motor abilities on competitive performance. While morphological variables may offer indirect insights into these influences, a more comprehensive evaluation of performance in sailing requires the inclusion of assessments targeting functional and motor capacities. Although the implementation of such tests prior to major competitions may present challenges, as coaches and athletes may be reluctant to engage in potentially strenuous assessments during critical preparation periods, collaboration among researchers, coaches, athletes, and class officials is essential to explore viable approaches. Incorporating both morphological and functional data could yield valuable insights, with substantial implications for the development of specific sailing classes and the enhancement of performance within the sport more broadly.  
Age and training history may confound the analysis; therefore, it is advisable to include additional demographic data, such as sailing history (e.g., previously sailed classes, years spent in the specific sailing class, etc.), as well as non-sailing fitness information, including types of cross-training activities and other relevant pursuits that could influence anthropometric parameters.  
The World Sailing Ranking (WSR) serves as a general indicator of sailing performance, representing a composite measure of performance over a two-year period in the ILCA 7 class. Unlike the outcome of a single regatta, the WSR is less susceptible to situational variables such as wind speed, water conditions, and other environmental factors that may dominate during a specific competition week. Nevertheless, it remains important to examine potential differences in morphological characteristics across varying levels of situational competitive success. Any study focused on a single regatta would inherently be influenced by the aforementioned environmental variables, and its findings should be interpreted in the context of prevailing wind conditions and other relevant race parameters.