Nearly a century after it first welcomed Olympic sailors to its waters, the Port of Los Angeles is once again preparing to take center stage in global sailing. Organizers of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28) have officially announced that sailing events will return to the Port’s Outer Harbor, a nod to the area’s deep maritime roots and proven capability as a competitive venue.
Six sailing disciplines will be hosted at the Port, including Men’s and Women’s Dinghy, Men’s and Women’s Skiff, Mixed Dinghy, and Mixed Multihull. Complementing the lineup, the neighboring venue city of Long Beach will host four board events in Belmont Shore: Men’s and Women’s Windsurfing, and Men’s and Women’s Kite. The two venues, just 10 miles apart, will divide the events into back-to-back stages to maximize both media coverage and spectator enjoyment.
For the Port of Los Angeles, this announcement represents more than just a logistical milestone; it’s a legacy continued. The 1932 Olympic sailing events were held here, while Long Beach carried the torch during the 1984 Games. With LA28, both waterfronts are once again called to play a global role.
“After close coordination with the Cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach, along with collaboration from World Sailing, we are excited about the opportunity to utilize two of the best locations along the Pacific coastline for sailing competitions in 2028,” said Reynold Hoover, LA28 Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to hosting the world’s best sailors in our iconic Host City of LA and the Venue City of Long Beach.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed pride in San Pedro’s selection, calling it an opportunity for the city to shine on the world stage. “Sailing has a long history in our city, and we look forward to welcoming the world’s best sailors to compete in these exciting events,” she said, commending local leaders like Councilmember Tim McOsker for helping make the opportunity a reality.
McOsker, who represents the harbor region, echoed that enthusiasm. “It’s important that these Games are a success, not just for our city, but for the world,” he said. “I’m grateful to the LA28 committee and the passionate sailing advocates from the One Five and beyond who helped make this possible.”
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka emphasized the honor of being selected. “We look forward to the ongoing partnership with LA28 as we prepare to bring the world’s greatest athletes to America’s Port,” he said.
The layout of events was designed with fans in mind. Belmont Shore will kick things off with the board competitions before attention shifts to the Port of Los Angeles for the boat racing portion. The consecutive schedule is intended to optimize broadcast reach, simplify logistics, and enhance the spectator experience.
The LA28 Games will mark the third time Los Angeles has hosted the Olympic Games — following 1932 and 1984 — and the first time it will host the Paralympics. The organizing committee operates independently as a privately funded nonprofit supported by corporate sponsorships, licensing, hospitality programs, ticketing, and contributions from the International Olympic Committee.
As the countdown to 2028 begins, Southern California’s waterfront communities are preparing not just for races, but for a moment in history — where heritage, sport, and international unity meet once again on the edge of the Pacific.
