Dutch dominance in skiff events

The Netherlands was a dominant force in the sailing competitions, with Odile van Aanholt and Annette Duetz clinching gold in the Women’s Skiff 49erFX. Their consistent performances across the series demonstrated their exceptional teamwork and ability to handle varying conditions in Marseille. This victory marked a continuation of their success on the international stage, solidifying their reputation as one of the top pairs in the sport.

British success in men’s skiff

In the Men’s Skiff 49er, the British duo of Dylan Fletcher and Stuart Bithell captured gold, continuing Great Britain’s strong Olympic sailing tradition. Their victory was particularly sweet as they managed to defend their title from Tokyo 2020, showing remarkable consistency and skill in navigating the challenging Mediterranean waters.

Italy shines in mixed multihull

Italy once again proved its prowess in the Nacra 17 Mixed Multihull, with Ruggero Tita and Caterina Banti successfully defending their Olympic title. Their gold medal was a highlight for Italy in these Games, showcasing their dominance in this high-speed, technically demanding class. Their victory added to Italy's storied history in Olympic sailing.

iQFOiL events make a dynamic debut

The debut of the iQFOiL events at the Olympics brought a fresh and dynamic element to the sailing competition. France's Nicolas Goyard claimed gold in the Men's iQFOiL, excelling in the new windsurfing format that combines speed and agility. On the women’s side, Great Britain’s Emma Wilson took the top spot, underscoring her status as one of the leading figures in this emerging discipline.

Australia’s Matt Wearn defends ILCA 7 title

Australia’s Matt Wearn successfully defended his Olympic title in the Men's ILCA 7, demonstrating his dominance in this single-handed dinghy class. His consistent performance across the series reflected his tactical acumen and ability to handle the pressure of Olympic competition. Wearn’s victory continued Australia’s strong tradition in Olympic sailing.

Global competitiveness in sailing

The sailing competitions in Paris also highlighted the global competitiveness of the sport. Israel’s Katy Spychakov earned a silver medal in the Women’s iQFOiL, showcasing the growing depth of talent in Olympic sailing. With medals spread across various nations, the Paris 2024 sailing events underscored the evolving and inclusive nature of the sport on the world stage.

The Paris 2024 sailing events were a mix of exhilarating competition and historic achievements, setting a high bar for the next Olympic Games.