Sailing returns to the Olympic stage at the LA 2028 Summer Games, promising a dynamic showcase of skill, strategy, and athleticism on the waters of Southern California. Set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the competition will feature ten events, maintaining the program established at Paris 2024, with a balanced participation of 330 athletes—165 men and 165 women.
Venue and Schedule
The sailing events are scheduled to take place from July 21 to August 6, 2028, in Long Beach, California. Known for its consistent summer seabreezes and rich sailing heritage, Long Beach is an ideal location for Olympic sailing competitions. The city's Alamitos Bay Yacht Club and Long Beach Yacht Club will serve as key venues, providing world-class facilities for the athletes.
Competition Format
The Olympic sailing program at LA 2028 will feature ten events across various disciplines:
✔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
These events will be contested in a fleet racing format, with competitors navigating courses set by race officials, testing their tactical acumen and sailing prowess. The inclusion of mixed-gender events, such as the 470 and Nacra 17, underscores the commitment to gender equality in the sport.
Preparation and Training
Leading up to the Games, the U.S. Sailing Team has established a base in Long Beach, marking the beginning of their official preparations for LA 2028. This strategic move includes the arrival of equipment from their previous training base in Marseille, France, and the establishment of training facilities at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club. This initiative reflects a commitment to creating a high-performance environment and fostering strong local ties in Long Beach.
Global Engagement
In the lead-up to the Olympics, the Sailing Grand Slam series has been introduced, uniting five iconic regattas, including the Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta. This series provides a platform for sailors to compete in Olympic-class events, offering valuable experience and exposure ahead of the Games. The series aims to strengthen sailing's contribution to the Olympic Movement by enhancing the sport's visibility and accessibility.
The Olympic 2028 are expected to leave a lasting legacy for sailing, particularly in the United States. The increased exposure and success of the national teams are likely to inspire the next generation of sailors and fans. Moreover, the integration of sailing into the broader Olympic program underscores the sport's growing global appeal and its potential to continue expanding in the years to come.