in a boat race, the boats all sail the same direction. in addition to the distance covered, what information is necessary to calculate the winner.

the wind's speed
the time each boat takes to get to the finish line.
the skill of each boat's crew
each boat's size

The necessary information to calculate the winner in a boat race is:

1. The distance covered by each boat.
2. The time it takes for each boat to reach the finish line.

Additional factors that could potentially affect the outcome but may not be necessary to determine the winner include:
1. The wind speed and direction, which can impact the boats' performances.
2. The skill and experience of each boat's crew, as a more skilled crew may maneuver the boat more effectively and gain an advantage.
3. The size and design of each boat, which can influence its speed and performance in different water conditions.