Changes revealed for 2024 Olympics

London, UK (April 1, 2018) – In a long anticipated announcement, World Sailing today has confirmed the elimination of the Finn, RS:X and 470 events from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Seeking a modern sailing program that offers gender equity, the 49er skiff will now have a mixed crew while continuing with the Men’s and Women’s Laser and the Nacra 17 mixed crew. In addition, a mixed tandem foiling kiteboard will be added in addition to a 4 person (2 men/2 women) keelboat match race event.

To simplify the game for television, a special set of Olympic rules have been approved with only the following rules to apply:
• Port/Windward/Clear Astern are to keep clear.
• Inside boat gets the mark.
• Limitations on hitting and altering course are eliminated.
• Fair Sailing: well, what’s fair in Moscow and in Milwaukee might not be the same, so all’s fair.

Additionally, there are now guidelines to what gear the sailors can use. Male sailors will now support sponsor Speedo while women’s gear will match beach volleyball standards.

“Beefcake; cheesecake; let them eat cake,” quipped World Sailing President Kim Andersen. “TV will love it. Lasers crashing; Nacra’s and 49ers cartwheeling at speed; kites entangled; and boarding parties in the match race event. Hit ‘em; crash ‘em; sink ‘em goes along with the Olympic motto of Citius, Altius, Fortius. Only the strong and fast will survive.”

World Sailing Vice President Gary Jobson, the specialist on the board for broadcast consultation, finds the new plan to meet all goals. “The IOC wants great television and gender equality. Full contact sailing will certainly give the excitement of NASCAR paired with the drama of the World Wrestling Federation.”