New Olympic Sailing Format Approved for LA28

The format for Olympic sailing at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles is beginning to take shape. At a meeting on December 10, 2025, the World Sailing Council approved recommendations from the Events Committee that outline how the competition will be structured for LA28.

The goal of the new format is to strengthen sailing’s impact within the Olympic Games while highlighting the sport’s athletes and creating a more engaging viewing experience for global audiences.

Two different competition formats will be used depending on the type of event.

Boat Events: Dinghy, Skiff, and Multihull

These events will begin with a three-day Qualification Series, where athletes race to earn their place in the top 10. Those competitors will advance to the Finals, which take place on a single day.

The Finals will feature two races worth single points. Points from the Qualification Series will carry forward, but any large gaps will be compressed to keep the competition close.

This system ensures that no medals can be decided early, meaning the outcome will come down to the final day of racing and every finalist will still have a chance to reach the podium.

Board Events: Windsurfing and Kite

The Windsurfing and Kite competitions will use a multi-round elimination format.

After the Qualification Series, the top 10 athletes will advance to the Finals stage:

• Athletes ranked 6–10 compete in a Quarter Final

• The top two from that round move to the Semi Final, joining athletes ranked 3–5

• The Final race will include four athletes: the top two from the Qualification Series and two qualifiers from the Semi Final

  
  

Designed With Athletes and Viewers in Mind

According to World Sailing, the recommendations were developed in consultation with athletes, coaches, Olympic Broadcast Services, media partners, and other stakeholders across the sport.

The new structure aims to maintain sailing’s unique competitive nature while making races easier to follow for spectators and television audiences.

What Happens Next

Before the format becomes official for the 2028 Olympic Games, World Sailing plans to test the race timing and scoring compression during international competitions in the first four months of 2026.

If the trials are successful, the format will be formally adopted for LA28.

Olympic sailing events at the Los Angeles Games are scheduled to take place July 16–28, 2028.

For full details on the recommendations, you can read the original article from World Sailing:https://www.sailing.org/2025/12/12/world-sailing-council-approves-la28-event-format-recommendations/