MODERN OLYMPIC EVENTS — SAILING

 

 
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Sailing first became an Olympic sport in Paris in 1900, where time handicaps were used to adjudicate the race. The race format and the classes of competing boats have changed frequently since then. Olympic racing is now conducted with boats categorised into one-design classes based on similar weights and measurements.

Races fall into two categories: fleet racing and match racing. Fleet racing involves all competing boats racing against each other at the same time. Match racing is where two boats compete one-on-one. All events are fleet races with the exception of the Soling event, which starts with a series of six fleet races to determine the top 12 competitors, who than advance to a match racing elimination series.

Scores are awarded according to finishing positions in each race. The lowest accumulated scores throughout the regatta earn the medals.

There will be a change in boat type at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games from Soling to Yngling in the fleet/ match race Keelboat Open class.