Showcasing sailing at Tokyo 2020

The Summer Olympics, held every four years, is not one event but an umbrella that covers all the competing sports, with each sport responsible to conduct their competition program. For Sailing, that is the domain of World Sailing led by President Quanhai Li.

In this report by inside the games, the leaders of the international federations share their view of Tokyo 2020… here are Li’s comments:

It is an honor to be the World Sailing President heading into the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and to be leading the federation in a Games like no other previously held. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that all stakeholders have had to be agile and adaptable in their preparations.

I am proud of the World Sailing team who have been proactive in preparing for the Games, ensuring no stone is left unturned as we create a safe environment for athletes, officials, volunteers, and the Japanese people. Since my election at the end of 2020, I have enjoyed positive discussions with IOC President Thomas Bach and the wider IOC and Tokyo 2020 team.

I am excited to continue these discussions, sharing our passion for sport at Tokyo 2020 and watching our sailing athletes’ dreams come true in Enoshima.

World Sailing will be focused on using the opportunities the Games presents to showcase our beautiful sport to new and existing fans.

Our sport is unique. It harnesses the power of nature, and has high levels of athleticism. By showcasing this through our promotional channels and embracing the world’s media, we hope that millions more people will fall in love with sailing.

Throughout the pandemic we have ensured that every team, official, and athlete has had the support they need to be able to perform on a level playing field.

Over the course of the competition, the sailing events will have something for everybody which will make for a wonderful spectacle on the water.

It will be exciting to see so many great athletes in Tokyo such as the legendary Santiago Lange and Cecilia Carranza Saroli from Argentina, Robert Scheidt of Brazil, Dutch sailor Marit Bouwmeester and RS:X windsurfer Charline Picon of France.

They are just some of the many stars we are lucky to have in our sport. Expect high intensity and pressurized scenarios come racing time.

Tokyo 2020 details – Race information – Entry list – How to watch

Race schedule is staggered for the ten sailing events from July 25 to August 4.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Sailing Program
Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7
Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6
Men’s Two Person Dinghy – 470
Women’s Two Person Dinghy – 470
Men’s Skiff – 49er
Women’s Skiff – 49erFx
Men’s One Person Dinghy Heavy – Finn
Men’s Windsurfing – RS:X
Women’s Windsurfing – RS:X
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17

Original dates: July 24 to August 9, 2020
Revised dates: July 23 to August 8, 2021

Source: World Sailing