Kissing the Olympic ring

The transformation of the Olympic Sailing Program began at Rio 2016 with the introduction of the Women’s Skiff and Mixed Multihull events. These changes were to deliver a more dynamic presentation, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) wanted more. Sailing delivered on that mandate in Paris 2024 with significant changes: gender balance, faster equipment, engaging formats.

While these changes have moved Olympic competition further from the sport it represents, Sailing is not alone in seeking to appease the IOC. When your sport is on the bad side of the profit and loss statement, jumping through hoops is what you do.

World Rowing has announced three major changes they are seeking to implement for Los Angeles 2028: new mixed event, remove events with poor participation, and use new engaging formats. The primary objective is to ensure that rowing remains a relevant discipline within the Olympic Games.

Sound familiar?

“These changes represent a significant evolution in classic rowing,” said Jean-Christophe Rolland, President of World Rowing. We are ensuring that our sport remains relevant and competitive, while making it more exciting and accessible to fans around the world.” – Full report

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Sailing Program*:
Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7
Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6
Mixed Two Person Dinghy – 470
Men’s Skiff – 49er
Women’s Skiff – 49erFX
Men’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Women’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Men’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL
Women’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17

Venue: Los Angeles or Long Beach
Dates: July 21-August 6

* World Sailing voted to keep the Paris 2024 Sailing Program for Los Angeles 2028, but the program is not final until the IOC approves all events, which usually occurs between December 2024 and January 2025. To date, this decision has not been made.