In 2018, the World Sailing Federation validated the proposal to integrate offshore racing within the sailing events of the 2024 Olympic Games. But for several months, the rumors have been going on about the probability of the feasibility of the project, the IOC making by worrying about the holding of the event.
It is now validated, the mixed ocean race will not be part of the events in 2024. The IOC having preferred to retain the kiteboard female and male as 9th and 10th sailing discipline for the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. In addition to the athletes, many shipyards will be disappointed hoping to offer their model of sailboat for the event.
"Following the IOC's desire to modernize its events, several nations were involved in the Ocean Racing project within World Sailing. This practice met the various expectations of the IOC to propose an innovative and engaging event for the general public. Offshore racing has many advantages in terms of sports entertainment. This "Marathon of the Seas" had a very high image potential, and its virtual version could involve hundreds of thousands of players says Jean-Luc Denéchau, President of the French Sailing Federation.
After the 2016 Olympics, the IOC had asked to introduce new disciplines to bring novelty and innovation to the 2024 sailing events. Here are the events retained:
- The foil windsurfing (IQFoil) for women and men
- The double dinghy (49er) women and men
- Single handed dinghy (ILCA) women and men
- The kiteboard (foil) woman and man
- The mixed double foil catamaran (Nacra 17)
- The mixed double dinghy (470)
"Sailing will be perfectly mixed in 2024 with 4 women's series, 4 men's series and 2 mixed series, I am delighted. As a great Sailing Nation and host country of the 2024 Olympic Games, we have a duty to use all our know-how in supporting high-level athletes. We hope to be among the favorites when the regattas begin in Marseille in July 2024 . In this sense, the integration of kiteboarding and IQFoil is good news because our athletes are among the best in the world in both men's and women's categories, concludes Jean-Luc Denéchau.
