Olympic Games 1996

GOOD SAILING IN SAVANNAH OLYMPIANS OF 1996!

For all of you, whether it is Hubert Raudaschl who is competing in a record 10 straight Olympics to the sailors who are competing for the first time: "It will be two weeks of sailing and a lifetime of talking about the Olympic experience and the friends made".

Less than 10% will win Medals and the Olympic Experience will be the reward for the years of dedication you have all put in.

I can confirm that Savannah and its citizens are ready to host the sailors of the World in a unique setting. We all know the sailing conditions are good, the "Day Marina" is all but finished and the Olympic Village is as good as Sailing has ever had. With the Southern Hospitality augmented by the Soul and Gospel Singers, Country and Western Music, Southern Jazz, Johnny Mercer Songs, Rock Bands and excellent food, the City of Savannah is only lacking the arrival of the Sailors.

IYRU has worked very diligently led by Mike Jackson, Fernando Bolin, Ding Schoonmaker, Tom Webster, Arve Sundheim, Sarah, Luissa and Phil Jones to make this Olympic regatta a success. The IYRU Judges, Referees, Measurers and Race Managers have spent countless hours of preparation to ensure all technical aspects of the Games are excellent. The International Classes, especially the manufacturers who have supplied boats, are also worthy of our gratitude for ensuring the Games' success. All the IYRU staff are totally focused on Savannah. The volunteer preparation is equal to that of the competitors.

To all of you left at home, Bernie Stegmeier, Paul Pascoe and David McCreary have worked out the technology so as to provide the mark-by-mark rounding results as they happen on http://www.sailing.org . Daily race reports and up to the minute news will also be on the site.

I am constantly reminded by Dr. Jacque Rogge that I sat on him all the way up the first leg of the first Finn Race in Acapulco '68. My God, what I would give to do that again!

I can promise you there will not be a dry eye in Savannah when you all march into the Opening Ceremonies proudly representing your country and competing in your chosen sport Sailing. We are all proud of your accomplishment.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN !!! Good Luck!!! Fair Sailing!!!

Paul Henderson