Soap opera for Sailing at 2028 Olympics

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
It was April 15, known as Tax Day in the USA for the deadline to submit individual income tax returns to the federal government. But in 2025, it would also be when a badly scripted soap opera was released for the  Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

The plot was the Sailing venue, which is not yet known, for the one Olympic sport that needs to know. Basketball is basketball anywhere. Swimming is swimming anywhere. But elite sailors must adapt to their Olympic venue, and that requires training. Lots of it.

When the LA28 Organizing Committee distributed their April 15 press release, they unveiled the most comprehensive look at the 2028 Olympic venue plan to date, which had followed approval from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It was anticipated this update would include Sailing, but it was not on the list. Was it forgotten?

Perhaps so, as the Los Angeles Times reported that Sailing would be along Belmont Shore in Long Beach, CA. Then the City of Long Beach distributed a press release which announced:

“Long Beach is now confirmed to serve as a premier waterfront venue for the 2028 Games. We are thrilled and honored to have Beach Volleyball join the list of acclaimed sporting events to be held on our iconic coastline, from Sailing to Water Polo, and we are excited to open our doors to the world and showcase the culture, diversity and spirit of our community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson.

The only problem is that no final decision had been made. A host city can offer, World Sailing can assist, and the IOC must approve, but only the LA28 Organizing Committee makes the decision. And they haven’t.

LA28 is adding to the confusion since their website says that Sailing will be in Long Beach, which was the tentative plan. However, LA Councilmember Tim McOsker has been campaigning for the event to be held in the San Pedro area of Los Angeles.

San Pedro is in McOsker’s district, and he claims it has better winds and revenue opportunity. Located eight miles west of Long Beach, it also has seaweed issues, insufficient infrastructure, and shipping traffic.

The politicians got involved in Paris 2024 which had the Sailing in Marseille, which was deemed more “aesthetic” but delivered tragically light winds. Having the venue in Hyères, longtime host of French Olympic Week, would have been smart.

Similarly, Long Beach successfully hosted Sailing at the 1984 Olympics, and its dependable summer winds and experienced race administers regularly attract world and continental championships.

A decision is now not expected until the second half of May, which reflects the battle going on behind the scenes.

While Long Beach appears to have the advantage, the driving issue of these Games is cost, and the Port of Los Angeles has twice written big checks to host SailGP. Will they do it again? Standing by.

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, CA
Dates: July 21-August 6