It was investigated, if a newly developed discipline specific test for elite-level trapeze sailors is reli-able and sensitive. Furthermore, the physical demands of trapeze sailing were examined. In part 1, nine national team athletes were accustomed to a simulated sailing test, which subsequently was completed on four occasions to determine test reliability and sensitivity to manipulations in body-weight. Rope-pulling mean power output (MPO), oxygen consumption (VO2 ), heart rate (HR) and blood lactate values were acquired in all trials. In part 2, six sailors completed on-water racing with concurrent measurements of VO2 , HR and blood lactate. VO2max was determined during an incre-mental treadmill running test. Typical error, minimal difference and ICC for average MPO in the test were 1.3%, 1.7% and 0.99, respectively. Adding four kg of external bodyweight caused a de-crease in average MPO (270 ± 45W vs. 265 ± 45W, P<0.05) and an increase in VO2 (2.44 ± 0.23 L·min(-1) vs. 2.55 ± 0.26 L·min(-1) , P<0.01). VO2 , HR and blood lactate during on-water sailing was 54.5 ± 7.2% VO2max , 75.1 ± 3.1% HRmax and 5.8 ± 2.7 mM, respectively. However, VO2 and HR were substantially higher for periods of the race as peak values were 83.5 ± 11.4% and 89.9 ± 1.7% of max, respectively. In conclusion, the present test is reliable and sensitive, thus providing a sailing specific alternative to traditional physical testing of elite trapeze sailors. Additionally, on-water rac-ing requires moderate aerobic energy production, although, oxygen consumption can approach maximal levels for short periods of time. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.