The countdown is on. This summer, the ILCA class will celebrate 30 years since making its Olympic debut at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the class.
Since its Olympic debut at Atlanta 1996, the ILCA class has remained a constant presence in Olympic sailing, providing a pathway for sailors from every corner of the world to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
Over the coming weeks, we will be counting down to this milestone by revisiting the story of the class’s Olympic debut in Atlanta 1996, sharing reflections from athletes who competed in that first Olympic regatta, and unveiling special content across our website and social media channels.
Expect athlete interviews, historical features, memorable races, Olympic milestones, archival photographs and a few surprises along the way.
The celebrations will culminate on 31 July, marking 30 years since the first Olympic medals in the class were awarded and the crowning of the first Olympic champion.
As we mark 30 years since the ILCA class’s Olympic debut, we also look ahead to the next chapter of our story on the road to Los Angeles 2028.
Join us throughout June and July as we mark 30 years since the ILCA class’s Olympic debut. Follow ILCA’s website and social media channels as the countdown continues.
As part of the celebration, we welcome contributions from the ILCA community. If you have memories, images or stories from the class’s Olympic debut at Atlanta 1996, we would be very happy to hear from you. Please get in touch at agustin @ ilcasailing.org — please include “ILCA 30 Years” in the subject line. Selected contributions may be featured during the campaign.
We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you all.
Agustín Argüelles – ILCA Communications Manager
Cover photo: Thom Touw – Rio 2016 Archive.