New-look venue of Rio 2016 Olympic now open to public

by Rio 2016 on 8 Apr 2016 The new-look venue for the sailing events of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games is now fully open to the public and ready for competition. On Thursday (7 April) city authorities unveiled the modernised Marina da Glória, following a 70 million reais (US$19m) refit.

As well as being expanded and redesigned, the marina has been completely integrated with Flamengo Park, one of the most popular leisure areas in Rio de Janeiro. The marina’s waterfront boardwalk, which used to be accessible only to boat owners, is now open to the public and will be connected to the park.

“Before, the Marina da Glória did not welcome locals. Today, it is a new, revitalised space with its arms wide open for visitors.”
Marco Aurélio Sá Ribeiro, president of the Brazilian sailing confederation

Located on Guanabara Bay, Marina da Glória has already hosted two test events, in August 2014 and August 2015. The Rio 2016 Organising Committee will take over the site on 13 July, ahead of the Olympic regattas in August and the Paralympic competitions in September.

“We have complied with our commitments, ahead of time. The facility we are handing over is ready. Our focus now will be on operations”
Ricardo Leyser, minister of sports

As part of the renovation, the capacity of the venue has been significantly increased. The number of berths in the water has gone from 140 to 415 and the number of dry stacks has increased from 70 to 240. The marina’s jetties have been redesigned, new electricity and water infrastructure installed and a modern pavilion for athletes has been completed. A car park with space for 470 cars has been built and security for the boats has been improved.

As well as the investment in new sailing facilities, the marina now contains an extensive leisure area for the general public, including four restaurants, a delicatessen, bicycle path and bike racks. After the Paralympic Games the venue will be used for sports, cultural events and entertainment. The marina will also offer sailing and diving courses as well as boat rentals and will have a special area for fishing.

“As well as hosting the sailing events of the Rio 2016 Games, the city wants to bring the public back to the Marina”
Eduardo Paes, mayor of Rio de Janeiro

Starting on Friday (8 April) and running until 17 April, Marina da Glória will host the Rio Boat Show. Highlights will include the presence of the Brazilian Olympic sailing team. Athletes will be on hand to explain sailing and visitors will be able to get on board high-performance Olympic boats for a taste of the sport.