Tokyo 2020: Pieces coming into place

It’s all systems go for 350 sailors from 60 nations to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, with ten sailing events to be held over 30 miles to the southwest of Tokyo on Sagami Bay in Enoshima, Japan. After the one year postponement due to COVID-19, there’s growing confidence for the new schedule of July 23 to August 8, 2021.

Responsible for organizing the sailing events, World Sailing’s preparations are firmly on track following discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, and the Summer Olympic International Federations to ensure the Games proceed in a safe environment for the athletes, officials, locals, and spectators.

In order to safeguard the Games, the IOC, International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and Tokyo 2020 have taken proactive steps to produce a robust series of Playbooks (click here) which outline the responsibilities of all Games participants – Federations, Press, Broadcasters, Athletes and Officials – and the rules that must be followed to ensure the Games remain safe.

The Playbooks have been developed jointly by the IOC, the IPC, and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and are based on the extensive work of the All Partners Task Force, which also includes the World Health Organization, Government of Japan, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, independent experts and organizations from across the world.

To further underline the safety-first approach to the Games and reassure all International Federations that the Games will be going ahead, Tokyo 2020 Sports Director Mikako Kotani and IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell recently led a detailed briefing and Q&A session to discuss the protocols and strengthen COVID counter-measures.

“World Sailing is fully committed to adapting and working with the IOC, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, and Japanese authorities to ensure a safe and successful Olympic Games,” said World Sailing President Quanhai Li. “We thank the Olympic Family, the IOC, and our friends from Tokyo 2020, for their ongoing efforts in organizing a safe Olympic Games.”

David Graham, Chief Executive Officer, added how this joint mission to hold the Games safely embodies the values of the Olympic Games through courage and determination.

“With the eyes of the world on Tokyo 2020 to deliver an uplifting, inspiring and spectacular Games, the International Federations appreciate the positive approach, commitment and dynamic leadership of IOC, ASOIF, and Tokyo 2020 to safeguard the event and priorities the health and well-being of everyone involved.”

Alastair Fox, Director of Events, explained how the emphasis on safety at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will mirror the safe ‘bubble’ environment that major sports around the world have created over the past year to keep athletes, coaches, officials and media personnel safe.

“It has been proven to work and we are confident that this year’s Olympic Games will be an incredible success.”

World Sailing and all of the Summer Olympic International Federations have been in regular communication with IOC President Thomas Bach, the IOC Sports Department, and Tokyo 2020 regarding safety procedures. The comprehensive safety plan will be strictly enforced and President Bach informed attendees that while it is not obligatory for athletes to take the vaccination, he strongly urges them to do so.

Tokyo Olympic Sailing Program
Men’s One Person Dinghy – Laser
Women’s One Person Dinghy – Laser Radial
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