Several weeks ago we looked at current Olympic classes. This article looks at boats that used to be raced in the Olympics.

2000, was the last Olympics for the Soling. This 3 person keel boat was the only class that had it’s medals decided in a match racing format. Dane Jesper Bank was the final gold medal skipper.

In 1992 the 2 person Flying Dutchman made it’s final Olympic appearance. The crew used a trapeze for stability and the boat made it’s Olympic debut in 1960.

Going back to 1976 the Tempest made the 2nd of it’s 2 Olympic appearances. Both years the USA was the Bronze medallist. In 1976 Dennis Conner won his Olympic medal as USA Tempest Skipper. The Tempest is a keel boat that also puts the crew on a trapeze and is 22 feet long.

Designed in 1929, the Dragon was an Olympic boat from 1948 to 1972. The Dragon is a classic with long overhangs, a full keel with rudder and many wooden boats still sailing.

Finally there was the 5.5 meter which was an Olympic Class from 1952 to 1968. Sweden won 2 golds, a silver and a bronze while the USA was next best with 2 golds and a bronze. Like the Dragon, the 5.5 was a classic looking boat with a length of 32 feet.

Next month our series of theme articles will be on commissioning your boat for the 2004 sailing season.

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