Officials praise Rio 2016 sailing venue

World Sailing, the sport's international governing body, has said it is satisfied with preparations for this year's Olympic regattas at Rio's Guanabara Bay.

A delegation of World Sailing officials has completed four-day visit to the city, where it received assurances that water quality would pose no threat to athletes.

"The health and safety of sailors competing at Rio 2016 is paramount and [we] remain focused on delivering an excellent Olympic sailing competition on a safe and fair field of play," the sailing body said in comments published by Rio2016.com on Friday.

The delegation included medical representative Nebojsa Nikolic, who praised a new pipe belt built to block sewage and the use of ecobarriers to trap rubbish.

"I am satisfied with the planning work that is being done ahead of the Games to ensure that the welfare of sailors remains the top priority and that appropriate water testing and protocols are in place to inform decision making at the Games," Nikolic said.

"We will continue to monitor water testing data closely and to educate sailors and officials on what they can do themselves to reduce health risks ahead of the Games."

The Olympic Games will be held in Rio from August 5 to 21. Endit