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In the final stages of their preparation for the 2012 Olympics to begin this weekend, the NZ Olympic Sailing Team is getting an edge through the use of new rugged Panasonic technology.
“As sailing coaches we are always fighting the elements, with good effective equipment the athletes are the winners” said Mark Howard, coach of Laser sailor Andrew Murdoch.
“This will make a difference to the quality of information that we are able to deliver to the sailors and enhance our on the water outcomes.”
Using robust waterproof video cameras and a portable data projector, coaches are able to capture clear, zoomed in, video footage on the water in even the harshest of sailing conditions and review it with large screens back on shore.
Nathan Handley (pictured above) also uses the technology with Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie in the Women’s 470 class.
“We look at things like sail set up and the rig, and being able to see this so clearly makes a big difference” Nathan said.
The Panasonic Waterproof Cameras supplied by Comworth in New Zealand are full HD, giving clarity to video and images with a double range zoom to focus on details such as sail trim, boat balance, and precision body movements in the boat. This new technology is not only robust, but it is smaller and more compact to fit in a coach’s pocket for taking still photos as well as video.
Nathan continued: “We’ve had other Panasonic equipment since Beijing Olympics four years ago. It’s had a hammering over the years and still works well, but the quality of picture in this new one is noticeably better.
The NZ Olympic Sailing Team coaches are excited with the opportunity to make their jobs easier, and their work more precise. For coaches to now be able to take better quality footage and photography, the sailors may have just the edge they need at London 2012.
The team are in their final days of preparation, before the first races begin at the Weymouth Olympic venue on July 29th.
Follow the NZ Olympic Sailing team:
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For more information:
Kristine Lederis
YNZ Communications Manager
kristine@yachtingnz.org.nz
+64 21 871 301
