The world of Olympic sailing is heating up with the upcoming International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Championships in Cascais, Portugal from July 2 to 13, 2007 and the Beijing 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition in Qingdao, China.
Olympic sailing first debuted in the 1896 games in Greece. There are nine classes of competition craft approved by the ISAF related to the Olympics. Classes utilize "one-design" craft that are built to strict standards by boat builders licensed by the ISAF. This means the boats used in each class are essentially identical to each other. Single design is meant to insure the best sailor and not the best boat will win in sailing competition.
This is brief description of the vessels used in Olympic competition. The name of the sailing class is followed by the single design craft built and used for that event.
Men’s and Women's Windsurfer (RS:X Class)
The RS:X windsurfer is a design by Neil Pryde that will be used in the 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition. The International Olympic Committee choose the RS:X because it is representative of equipment used by performance orientated recreational sailors. Sailors of the RS:X need to be athletic and the craft performs in a wide range of wind speeds.
Men's Single-Handed Dinghy (Finn Class)
The Finn is the longest running class used continuously in the Olympics. A high-performance sailboat, the Finn was designed by Rickard Sarby in 1949, first sailed in 1952, and is enjoyed in 65 different countries. The sail is fully adjustable and can be changed to suit each sailor's style. Finn sailors learn something new each time they race their craft.
Women’s Single-Handed Dinghy (Laser Radial Class)
The Laser Radial will be used for the first time in Olympic competition the 2008 games in Beijing (Pequim), China. Designed for youth and small adults, the Radial is very similar to the older Laser. The only differences are a smaller sail area and a more flexible lower mast.
Open Single-Handed Dinghy (Laser Class)
The Laser is a world renowned one-man racing sailboat. Bruce Kirby designed the Laser in 1969 and it caught fire with recreational sailing enthusiasts. A modest price, ease of maintenance, high-performance, and being captopable sold many sailors on the Laser.
Men's and Women's Double-Handed Dinghy (470 Class)
This double-handed sailboat has the first used in the Olympics held in 1976 and by women in the Pusan Olympics of 1986. Andre Cornu designed this high performance planning hull dinghy to encourage everyone to try sailing. Successful teams depend on good coordination to bring out the best in the 470. Watch 470's in action with this clip from Live Sail Die.
Open Double-Handed High Performance Dinghy (49er Class)
The 49er is a two-handed double-trapeze skiff made of lightweight composite construction designed in Australia. With its large sail to weight ratio, the 49er can reach speeds exceeding that of the wind. 49ers are exciting and depend on close crew coordination to prevent capsizing.
Open Double-Handed Multi-Hull (Tornado Class)
Tornados are the fastest boats used in Olympic competition, reaching some 30 knots. The Tornado was designed specifically for the Olympics and entered competition in 1976. With its multiple hulls, spinnaker sail, and high sail to weight ratio, the Tornado is popular with crew and spectators alike.
Men’s Double-Handed Keelboat (Star Class)
Francis Sweisguth designed the Star in 1910 making it the oldest class sailboat in Olympic competition. The two-handed keelboat requires superior technical skill and athletic ability to bring out the best in the boat, especially in heavy seas. There more than 2,000 Stars being raced worldwide.
Women’s Triple-Handed Keelboat (Yngling Class)
Jan Herman designed the Yngling in 1967 as a three place keelboat and it made its debut as an Olympic class boat in the Athens games of 2004. Pronounced "ingling", the Yngling is known for its responsiveness to trim changes and ability to turn quickly.
