39 Nations Secure Half of Rio 2016 Olympics Sail Slots

Image Source and Courtesy Santander 2014. Santader 2014 Action Ramps up

Santander 2014 ISAF Sailing World Championship has been brought to a close awarding 50% of all sailing slots for the Rio 2016 Olympics to 39 Nations. "With 138 Rio 2016 Olympic Sailing Competition places up for grabs across the ten Olympic events, thirty nine nations have secured at least one spot on the Rio start line," Santander communicated.

On September 21^st international press began reporting on the sailing teams which took medals and victories and paved their way into the Olympics. Ten small professional sailing class took over the waters of Santander navigating under diverse ocean conditions pushed on by good wind conditions.

At the closing ceremony the French team received the IOC President’s Trophy which is presented to the best overall performing nation.

Julien Bontemps (FRA) and Charline Picon (FRA) started the medal rush as they picked up men’s and women’s RS:X honours with Thomas Goyard taking men’s bronze. Billy Besson and Marie Riou (FRA) gave the nation a further gold to celebrate, picking up Nacra 17 gold with a day to spare.

The awarding closing ceremony -as well as the final days of sailing were packed with international sailing professionals, local residents and sport business sector.

“We have just concluded the most important sailing event between the Olympics. It is the time we classify 50% of those who will go to the Olympics," SAF Vice-Present W. Scott Perry brought the championship to close saying. ISAF Vice-Present Perry detailed a total of 1.2 thousand sailing athletes representing 81 Nations with 836 boat designed for game. Sails of the global Nations, flags and team numbers were moved by the winds of Santander.

Ten World Championship sailing classes teams ranked to top positions with thirty medals awarded -gold, silver and bronze.

Santander representatives had kind words for the young teams which did not make top places nor the firs cut for the Olympic Sailing Competition assuring that still more opportunities would come in the next months for them to reach the "pinnacle of their sport".

“As a result of your efforts we now have 39 countries qualified for the Olympics in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. 50% of places have been decided in Santander and the remaining 50% will be decided in the next 18 months,” Santander stated.

The 10 participating classes included 470 Male and Female, the swift 49er, speed breaking 49er FX, classic Finn, Laser Standard, upgraded Laser Radial, the unique Nacra 17 class and RS:X Male and Female -known vulgarly as windsurfing.

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