Sailing officials confirm Rio 2016 courses

Three of the five sailing courses used at next year's Rio Olympics will be inside Guanabara Bay, the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) said on Thursday.

Pao de Acucar, Ponte and Escola Naval were chosen from within the bay's boundaries while the open-sea Copacabana and Niteroi courses were also selected.

ISAF named two reserve courses: Pai - located in the Atlantic Ocean - and Aeroporto, which is inside the bay.

Rio's state government has said it will miss its target of reducing pollution in the bay by 80% ahead of the Olympics, which begin on August 5, 2016.

Sailors have reported seeing furniture and floating animal carcasses in its waters, which are also blighted by untreated sewage and trash.

City officials deny the bay poses a health risk to athletes and organizers have vowed the venue will be suitable for Olympic events.

Sailing competition will begin on August 8 with the RS:X windsurf events on the Pao de Acucar course.

The first medal races will take place six days later, with two per day until the 49er and 49erFX finals on August 18.

Belgium's Evi Van Acker, who won bronze in the laser radial class at the London 2012 Games, said she was happy with the schedule.

"It's a nice mix of everything, sailing inside and outside, and I think it's the most fair for everyone. I love the venue," Van Acker told Rio2016.com.

Mat Belcher, who won the men's 470 gold medallist at London 2012, said he and his Australian teammates also approved of the courses.

"The unique thing about Rio, and the great thing about Rio is the diversity of the conditions and also the diversity of the different race areas, and that makes for the best all-round sailor," he said. Endit