A Study on Quantitative Measurement Methods Aimed at Improving Cutter Race Times

This study examined the feasibility of a quantitative measurement method for cutter boat racing. A pilot system was developed, integrating RTK-GNSS, an IMU with a fiber-optic gyro, and an onboard camera. Motion and video data were synchronized to extract stroke indicators, such as the proportion of oar-in-water time, peak drive acceleration, and jerk. Field trials demonstrated that the system could capture boat trajectory (latitude/longitude), attitude (heading, roll, pitch), speed, and key stroke events (oar entry/exit, stroke phases). The trials also identified practical challenges, including unstable heading estimation and increased GNSS course-over-ground error at low speeds, as well as the need for precise time synchronization between sensors. The findings clarify the measurable parameters and technical issues to be addressed for applying this approach to performance analysis in cutter racing.