Sailing first became an Olympic Sport in 1900, when the event was held in Paris, France, but at the next games in 1904, it had to be missed off, due to problems with logistics and difficulties transporting all the necessary boats to America. However, by the 1908 games in London, it was firmly back on the agenda, where it's remained ever since.

The 2012 Olympic sailing events will be taking place at Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour, in Dorset, which have some of the best sailing conditions in the UK and are regarded as a ‘world class sailing destination'.

Enhancements to the existing facilities have been made, and finished well ahead of deadlines and include a new permanent 250m slipway. Competitors in the sailing events will be competing for 10 gold medals, across various categories.