470 DID IT AGAIN - SELECTED FOR 2016 OLYMPICS

"By retaining our class in the 2016 Olympic Sailing Competition we have proven to the sailing community around the world that two-person dinghy spinnaker sailing is an essential discipline of sailing," writes Stanislav Kassarov the President of the International 470 Class in a letter of thanks to the 470 National Class Associations and sailors around the world who have worked hard to support the retention of the 470 men and 470 women's events in the 2016 Olympic Games.

Stanislav Kassarov, 470 Class President

Image: © Victor Kovalenko

"By the selection of the 470 class as preferred equipment for the two-person dinghy event, the ISAF Council has confirmed and continued to recognize the integral role the 470 plays within the Olympic Sailing Competition and the Olympic Programme and its legacy and positive impact as equipment of popular choice for men and women." Kassarov emphasizes in the letter.

In a separate letter sent to ISAF Council members thanking them for their support in approving Submission M10-11, Kassarov recognises that "the decision taken by the ISAF Council on Saturday impacts beyond Olympic Sailing and most importantly sets out the pathway from junior to Olympic competition for the future generation of sailors."

For many countries there is a natural step from the 420 to the 470 and one of the outcomes of the ISAF decision is that this pathway can now be further developed for at least another Olympiad, both at a grass roots level and at an elite level from the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships through to the Olympic Games. The 420 as with the 470 though, offers a route to many other classes of boat and styles of sailing.

Noting the objectives outlined by the ISAF Olympic Commission report in securing the right slate of events for the Olympic Games, Kassarov highlights in his letter how "the 470 Class brings tremendous value to the Olympic Games. It demonstrates a modern, youthful and skilful discipline of sailing which is easily, efficiently and cost-effectively part of the Olympic Sailing Competition. Continuity and consistency are key to embracing sustainable participation in an equipment based sport like sailing – and the 470 has repeatedly proven itself."

CLICK HERE to read the complete letter sent to 470 National Class Associations.

More Information:
ISAF Announcement on the Events and Equipment for the 2016 Olympic Games
Olympic Commission Report - to the 2010 ISAF Mid-Year Meeting