Sailing

Several 49er class boats line up to start their race at the 2008 Olympic Games.

Beijing recap

It was only appropriate that China won its first-ever gold medal for sailing at its own Games. Chinese RS:X windsurfer Yin Jian was tops in the women's class, while New Zealander Tom Ashley claimed gold in the men's class. Britain brought a fitting finish to the Olympic sailing competition. The Union Jack won its fourth gold medal in Qingdao, as Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson topped the Star keelboat class. In the Tornado class - which has most likely run its last Olympic race - Spain won its first gold of the sailing competition. Laser Radial sailor Anna Tunnicliffe became the first U.S. woman in 20 years to sail to an Olympic gold medal.  

More on Olympic sailing

Up to 3,000 categories of sailboats reportedly exist around the world, each class with its own set of rules and specifications. At the Olympics, 11 events are contested in nine different types of boats. Boats compete in fleet races, with each regatta lasting a series of days.

Of the 10 events at the Olympics, men compete in four, women compete in four and two classes are open to both. Crew sizes range from single-handed to three-person boats. Each class is a different size and shape, requiring certain skills of the sailors in order to operate the boat successfully. Below are all the Olympic classes: