The Vintage Yachting Games are an international Quadrennial multi class sailing event for former Olympic classes and the former Classes of the Paralympic Games. The Vintage Games is held every four years. The idea behind the Vintage is to Organize a four yearly high-end event in the calendars of all the former (Paralympic) Olympic Classes after their discontinuation at the Olympics or Paralympic Games. First the idea was discusses and developed locally by Rudy den Outer and representatives of several Dutch class organizations of former Olympic classes (Martijn van der Driest of Europe, Harold Wijgers of Flying Dutchman, Johan Offermans of Soling, Michiel van Dis of Dragon and Hans Nadorp of 5.5 Metre). In the next phase the presidents/chairman of the international classes became involved (Jan Abrahamsen of Europe class, Theo Meus of O-Jolle, Alberto Barenghi of Flying Dutchman, Rose Hoeksema of Soling and Rupert Fisher of Dragon). The first edition was held in Medemblik 20–27 September 2008. During the closing ceremony the next host country, Italy, received the Vintage flag from the mayor of Medemblik, Th. van Eijk. The Vintage Yachting Games Organization (VYGO), a foundation under Dutch Law, was founded on 11 December 2006 by Rudy den Outer, Nancy Schoof and Sebastian Hopf. The VYGO has since become the governing body of the Vintage Yachting Games, whose structure and actions are defined by her constitution and charter. The VYGO's ownership lies with the Vintage Yachting Classes.

Vintage Yachting Games principles

The Vintage Yachting Games are governed by the following set of principles:

Charter Vintage Yachting Games

The constitution of the Vintage Yachting Games Organization is based upon the Vintage Yachting Games Charter. Decisions made by the board or supervisory board and even race management must be in line with this charter:

Constitution of Vintage Yachting Games

The constitution governs the way of management of the VYGO. This is the deed under Dutch law of the VYGO foundation.

VYG rules

Describes under what conditions the Vintage Yachting Games edition will be sailed, organized and managed.

Standard VYG Notice of Race (NOR)

This document is the basis of the final NOR that is determined in cooperation by the Host club and the VYGO. The final NOR must be published at least one year before the start of the first race of a Vintage Yachting Games edition.

Standard VYG Sailing Instructions (SI)

This document is the basis of the final SI that is determined in cooperation by the Host club and the VYGO. The final SI must be published at least one month before the first race of a Vintage Yachting Games edition.

Vintage Yachting Games Event Structure

The structure of an edition of the Vintage Yachting Games is similar to that of an Olympic sailing event. It consists of:

Fleet review

The fleet review of is a part of the opening ceremony of the Vintage. The element can be compared with the athletes parade into the stadium at the opening of the Olympics.

The races of the Vintage Yachting Games

Each edition of the Vintage Yachting Games will have a series of at least seven scheduled races per Vintage Yachting Class. At least five races must be completed to make a valid series. The top three of each Vintage class are granted the right to fly the Vintage Yachting Games logo in gold, silver or bronze in her mainsail for the next four years.

Vintage InterPares race

As a part of the closing ceremony the winning helmsman of each class will sail one final race in a former Olympic class. The winner will be win the title of Vintage InterPares (VIP) and is granted the right to fly the Vintage Yachting Games logo in her sail for the next four years. The VIP race is the substitute for the medalrace during the Olympic sailing event. In 2008 the 12' Dinghy was used for the VIP race.

Country Trophy

The country trophy is handed to the national team of the best performing country during an edition of the Vintage. This trophy is donated by the artist, sailor, International Judge and former international umpire Menno Meyer.

Venues

Classes

To become a Vintage Yachting Class a class must: The Vintage Yachting Classes consist of 13 Classes. The Vintage Yachting Classes are eligible for competition in the Vintage Yachting Games.

Facts and figures

These facts and figures aere based upon the entries documented in the Official Vintage Results and on the Wikipedia pages:

Country trophy

Medal table

Statistics

The statistics are based upon the boats that are taken into account in the final results. For 2008 this were all entries. For 2012 only the paid entries.

Vintage InterPares

Medal leaders (by Vintage)

Multiple medalists

Ranking of Vintage Gold medalists

The ranking is done based upon the 1964 Olympic scoring system. Best seven races count. If less than seven races are sailed 0 points are given to the cancelled (can) races.