Introduction
Over the years Olympic Sailing can be categorized into several periods:
| Periode | Type | Examples | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1896 – 1912: | The Gentlemen | Hermann de Pourtalès (SUI) | Édouard Alphonse James de Rothschild (FRA) |
| 1920 – 1936: | The Yachtsmen | Virginie Hériot (FRA) | Johan Anker (NOR) |
| 1948 – 1964: | The Innovators | Paul Elvstrøm (DEN) | Keith Musto (GBR) |
| 1968 – 1984: | The Sailors | Rodney Pattisson (GBR) | Valentin Mankin (URS) |
| 1992 – 2000: | The Athletes | Jochen Schümann (GDR) | Theresa Zabell (ESP) |
| 2004 – 20??: | The Performers | Ben Ainslie (GBR) | Yin Jian (CHN) |
Over time, different classes of boat featured at the Olympics. Initially, the classes were specified in tons, then later in meters, feet or generic names. For the discontinued classes, the Vintage Yachting Games were introduced in 2008.
Until 1988, sailing was a gender-independent sport. Even in 1900, several women participated at the Olympic sailing regattas. In 1988, the first exclusive women's sailing event was introduced.
Most of the Olympic sailing competitions were done in what is called a fleet race format. At some Olympics, however, was also the match race format, or a mixed fleet/match race format. Great Britain leads the Olympic sailing medal ranking table.
Read more about this topic: Sailing At The Summer Olympics
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