#star – The President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, has moved to have the Star keelboat reinstated as an Olympic class at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Brazilian ambassadors from around the world are seeking support from nations to help them reinsert the oldest and most traditional class back in to the Games in three years time.
The legendary class lost its status after a controversial decision by the world body of sailing, ISAF in 2011. It was thought that the venerable 100–year–old design sailed its last Olympic regatta at London 2012 but now there is new hope for the much loved craft.
In a letter from the Embassy of Brazil, date January 16th and seen by Afloat.ie, the Brazilian Government says it firmly endorses the request noting that out of the 18 sailing medals Brazil has won, six were in the Star class.
The embassy says the new ISAF president Carlos Croce, has already 'requested to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) the inclusion of an 11th sailing class in the next games to accomodate the Star'.
The letter outlines the minimal additional budgetary cost involved and how it would 'strongly contribute to strengthening the positive spirit surrounding this unprecedented event held in in Brazil'.
It is expected the matter will come before the next meeting of the executive committee of the IOC to be held in Sochi on February 2.
Last July, Afloat reported that Brazil had still to make up its mind to back the boat.
