Olympic Games 1996

21 JULY 1996 - 2

FLASH QUOTES

"This is like Woodstock with the rain, but sailors are used to getting wet" commented US Star skipper Mark Reynolds when the Opening Ceremony was postponed due to rain an hour into the proceedings.

"It was just typical Savannah weather," said Mayor Floyd Adams Jr, dripping wet as he explained to the crowd that the ceremonies were unfortunately curtailed. "But thereÕs a lot of love and peace out there, which was really nice to see from Savannah," he added.

"It was a big mix-up but a lot of fun," said German Mistral sailor Matthias Bornhauser "I got to meet a lot of nice people."

Speaking on the organisation of the 1996 Olympic Regatta at the daily Venue Meeting, Phil Jones, IYRU Olympic Manager said:

"We are not doing this for ACOG, we are not doing this for the IYRU or our own gratitude, we are doing this for the sailors, the athletes, some of whom have devoted four years and some their lives to compete in this Regatta."

John McIntosh, ACOG Competition Manager:

"We all know our job. We have practiced well, be proud in doing what will surely carry the tradition of past years."