The wind or lack thereof was a challenge for Olympic sailors, officials, and broadcasters. However, the tight racing led to a change in the sailing world as foiling became a standard. The Netherlands won two golds, two bronzes, and Italy and Austria each took two golds. Britain, the team that must be beaten, only managed to win gold and bronze. Marit Bouwmeester, the Dutch dinghy demon, helped them dominate and became the most successful woman in Olympic sailing.

The sport's governing body also highlighted the success of smaller countries. Peru won bronze in men's sailing dinghy. World Sailing CEO David Graham said, "We know that what we are doing with the Emerging Nations Programme works. It's time to enhance this." Israel won gold and silver in windsurfing, Cyprus men’s dinghy, and Slovenia men’s kiteboarding. Kiteboarding, billed as the fastest Olympic sports, made a splash. Fans were fascinated by foiling board 'flying above the water' and dramatic high-speed crashes. The speed of the sport also changed how races were run. Jurors now use drones to monitor a new breed of personalities.

Los Angeles will likely have 10 events with the same format, but technological advances are likely to bring about further changes. Graham stated that World Sailing closely monitored SailGP developments in officiating, broadcasting and Olympic sailing to "see what can be transferred into Olympic sailing".

Graham stated that World Sailing will review the format of windsurfing in Marseille.

He said that a working group was in place to develop the format. "I'm certain the formats will be refined before Los Angeles," he added, referring to the differences between the kiteboarding and the windsurfing events at the current Games.

Although the number of spectators in Marseille was not as large as in Paris, Graham expressed optimism about the future.

"Our Olympic class has a buoyant atmosphere and there are some really exciting developments with equipment... I'm optimistic and think the sport is in a great place. (Reporting and editing by Christian Radnedge; Alexander Smith)

(source: Reuters)