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 8, while the first medal races are set for August 14 with two per day until August 18 when the 49er and 49erFX finals will bring the regatta to a close.

"It’s good to have many courses because it really tests the ability of the sailors in different conditions," said 42-year-old Scheidt, a winner of five Olympic medals including Laser gold at Atlanta 1996 and Athens 2004.

"It’s a place where the sailor has to be very flexible and adapt himself."

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.

"It’s a nice mix of everything, sailing inside and outside, and I think it’s the most fair for everyone," said Belgium’s Evi Van Acker, bronze medallist in the Laser Radial class at London 2012, who is preparing to compete in her third Olympic Games.

"I love the venue."

Australia’s Mat Belcher, gold medallist in the men’s 470 class at London 2012, added: "The unique thing about Rio, and the great thing about Rio, is the diversity of the conditions and also the diversity of the different race areas, and that makes for the best all-round sailor."

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 organisers to follow suit.

But last month, the World Health Organisation recommended not using viral testing for routine monitoring, despite previously suggesting it could be necessary.

To see the full sailing race schedule for Rio 2016, click here. 



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