2012 Olympic Events

Taking a bite of the apple, the US Olympic Sailing Committee has accepted the offer by ISAF to submit their suggestions for what events they would like to see participate in the 2012 Games. Thus far, what is known by everybody is that the number of events is shrinking from the current line-up of eleven down to ten. What is not known is what these ten events will be. So, to provide ISAF with a suggestion, it should come as no surprise to anyone that the USOSC has submitted a list of classes that they see as representing their country’s strengths, while also lending an ear to what the international sailing community might accept.

They have identified 8 of the 10 events that they feel most strongly about. As for the other 2 events, perhaps they will cash in some political capital to help those countries that agree to help them. The glaring omissions from the list are a multihulls and windsurfers. Also missing from the list is a Team Racing event, though it is likely that the USOSC wants to stick with battles that they see as winnable, and not burn up too much energy fighting for an event that might still be a quadrennium away.

The current preferences of the USOSC, as of February 17, 2007 are:

2012 OLYMPIC EVENTS
A Submission from US SAILING

Proposal:
That, in accordance with Regulation 16.1.1 (b), the following Events are eligible for selection for the 2012 Olympic Regatta:

Single - Handed Dinghy - Men
Single - Handed Dinghy - Women
Skiff - Men
Skiff - Women
Double - Handed Dinghy - Men
Double - Handed Dinghy - Women
Keelboat - Men
Keelboat - Women *

* match racing or fleet racing

Current Position:
No current position.

Reason:
1. These Events provide a natural progression for sailors as they age, broaden their skills and move on to new challenges.

2. Skiffs are exciting and generate media interest and buzz.

3. Keelboats will attract well-known sailors, including World Champions from other classes and America’s Cup sailors. These “heroes” will appeal to the media and spectators.

4. The symmetry of Events will increase participation by women.

5. This slate of Events will appeal to a wide range of athletes.

6. This slate of Events is representative of the sport as it is practiced around the World. As a result, it is likely that this slate will increase the number of countries competing in the Olympic Regatta.

NOTE: This Submission is not intended to propose reducing the number of Events to eight. It is envisioned that Council will add two other Events to the list of Events eligible for selection.

Click here to view the submission, which is included in the US SAILING Board of Directors minutes from the Feb 2007 meeting.