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Sailing first
became an Olympic sport in Paris in 1900, where time
handicaps were used to adjudicate the race. The race format
and the classes of competing boats have changed frequently
since then. Olympic racing is now conducted with boats
categorised into one-design classes based on similar weights
and measurements.
Races fall into
two categories: fleet racing and match racing. Fleet racing
involves all competing boats racing against each other at
the same time. Match racing is where two boats compete
one-on-one. All events are fleet races with the exception of
the Soling event, which starts with a series of six fleet
races to determine the top 12 competitors, who than advance
to a match racing elimination series.
Scores are
awarded according to finishing positions in each race. The
lowest accumulated scores throughout the regatta earn the
medals.
There will be
a change in boat type at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games from
Soling to Yngling in the fleet/ match race Keelboat Open
class.
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