Sailing competitions were included in the program of the Summer Olympics in 1900 at the Paris Olympics. Since then, this sport has been considered traditionally Olympic. Different types of yachts participate in the competition and 10 sets of awards are played.
The history of the participation of Russian yachtsmen in the Olympics begins in 1912, when our compatriots won bronze medals at the Games in Stockholm. Soviet athletes began to participate in Olympic sailing in 1952, and already in 1960 they took a gold medal in the "Star" class and a silver medal in the "Finn" class. In total, in the history of the Olympic Games, Russian and Soviet yachtsmen have won 28 medals, of which 7 are gold.
The types and sizes of sailing yachts used in the Olympics vary depending on the hull design and rigging. But all the models are distinguished by one thing - racing yachts have an extremely lightweight design, they are not strong enough for long voyages and do not have any amenities. They have neither a cabin, nor a deckhouse, nor holds, and the keel of the sailing dinghies is made retractable. The handling of racing yachts is complicated by the fact that they can easily capsize, even in moderate winds.
The sport classification of yachts creates a level playing field for each class of boat. In total, there are 9 classes of yachts in the Olympic races. The races are held on the Olympic track of a triangular configuration, which is selected in accordance with the currents existing on it, wind directions, weather conditions and the number of participating vessels. Initial races last from 30 to 75 minutes, and according to their results, ten best crews are selected within each class to participate in the finishing (medal) races. The medal races last from 20 to 30 minutes and must include full courses (downwind) and upwind maneuvers. The finish of the track is set so that it is as close to the spectator stands as possible.
But at the moment, the sailing program in the Olympic Games is seriously changing. The International Sailing Federation from 2016 plans to play 5 sets of awards for men, 4 for women and 1 in mixed class. Up to the real 2012 Olympic Games, out of 10 sets, six were for men and 4 for women.
