The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic GamesAugust 8-24 2008
(BEIJING, August 23) -- Reflecting on the regatta after its conclusion on Friday, August 22, Göran Petersson, president of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), said that the 2008 Olympic Sailing competition, held in Qingdao, was "a landmark Games for Sailing."
This year's Olympic Sailing competition saw the introduction of the medal race format, featuring the top ten finishers competing in a final double-points race. The organizers introduced other new features to the regatta races to enhance their ornamental and motivational characteristics. For instance, a victory return course and a windsurfer obstacle course were set up, thus narrowing the competition area and increasing the efficiency of the sport's organization.
The Beijing 2008 Olympic Sailing competition had many remarkable and memorable moments. For example, the crowed roared to cheer on China's Yin Jian as she fought her way back into a gold medal winning position in the Women's RS:X medal race. Yin won the first ever gold medal in Sailing for China. About 400 of the world's best sailors demonstrated their talent over the course of 117 races during 13 days of competition in 11 Sailing events.
Petersson said some experiences of the Olympic regatta might be worth promoting in other Asian countries to boost interest in the sport of sailing.
