Sailing

cctv.com 07-26-2004 10:48

Sailing is a way of life for millions of people all over the world. The sport has some of the most enthusiastic supporters. It is also one of the very few sports in which age does not play a significant role. In fact, the experience gained through years of involvement; often enhance the athlete鈥檚 abilities.

Description

Sailing events take place on waterways (tracks), delineated by marker buoys. These waterways define the courses that competitors have to complete. Competitors face not only their opponents, but also the unpredictability of nature.

ATHENS 2004 Sailing

There will be eleven sailing events in the 2004 Olympic Games. Four will be for men; four will be for women; and three will be 鈥渙pen鈥 i.e. events where men and women compete together. The Sailing events will take place at the Agios Kosmas Olympic Sailing Centre from 14 to 28 August 2004.

History

In ancient times, Sailing was linked with the history and activities of many nations. It often played a crucial role in a country鈥檚 growth and expansion due to mastering the seas through navigation.

The Greek historian Pausanias relates that in the 2nd century BC, music, swimming and sailing contests were taking place in honor of Dionysus Melanaigidos in Ermioni at the Temple of Aphrodyte.

The first Sailing competition, which is still held today, was the Cumberland Cup, inaugurated in 1715. The first international competition, in 1851, was the 鈥淗undred Guineas Cup鈥鈥now known as the Americas Cup, named after the first winning boat 鈥淎merica鈥 This marked the debut of competition Sailing as we know it today. Sailing became an Olympic sport in the 1900 Olympic Games, in Paris. There were three classes of boat. Greece first entered the Sailing events at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, where a crew consisting of G.Kalambokidis, C.Karolou, K.Potamianos and N.Vlangalis competed in the Star class and placed 10th.

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) 鈥formerly known as IURY, was founded in 1906. It now includes 121 member-states, with over half a million sailors.

The Hellenic Sailing Federation (EIO), was founded in 1950. Today it has 167 registered clubs with more than fifteen thousand members.

Source:The official website of the ATHENS 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games

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