The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) announced the provisional competition schedule and courses for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
The sailing events are due to take place on the same courses used for the second test event in August - three in Guanabara Bay and two in the Atlantic Ocean - while a new reserve course within the bay has been added to the existing one located in the open sea.
Racing is scheduled to begin with the RS:X windsurf events on August 8th, while the first Medal races are set for August 14th with two per day until August 18th when the 49er and 49erFX finals will bring the Regatta to a close.
The three courses inside Guanabara Bay are Pão de Açucar, Ponte and Escola Naval, while the Copacabana and Niteroi courses are located outside the bay.
As well as the established Pai reserve course in the Atlantic Ocean, a new reserve course known as Aeroporto has been added inside the bay.
Situated between Ponte and Escola Naval, the Aeroporto area was identified as having conditions suitable for racing during the second test event and is said to be able to provide the ISAF with greater flexibility if wind conditions on the other courses are not suitable on any given day.
Pollution has become a major concern at venues for many of the water-based sports, with the sailing venue attracting most attention.
A study conducted earlier this year by the Associated Press reported a "major risk" of athletes contracting illnesses, with at least two sailors having been taken ill during August's test event.
Unlike investigations carried out by Rio 2016, which have relied upon bacterial testing, this investigation was based on viral testing, prompting calls for organizers to follow suit.
But last month, the World Health Organization recommended not using viral testing for routine monitoring, despite previously suggesting it could be necessary.
Click Here to see the Full Provisional Competition Schedule for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
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