Second Rio 2016 sailing test event to begin under cloud of Guanabara Bay pollution concerns

The latest sailing test event will be a major challenge for Rio 2016, although one last year was generally seen as a success ©AFP/Getty Images

Rio 2016 will face another major challenge as the months count down until next summer's Olympics and Paralympics when a second sailing test event is due to take place in Guanabara Bay on Saturday (August 15) amid continuing pollution concerns.

Speaking at the end of this week's Coordination Commission inspecton here, International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials claimed organisers were doing all they could to reduce levels and make conditions safe for athletes.

Nawal El Moutawakel, chair of the IOC Coordination Commission, even claimed she was willing to dive into the water herself in an attempt to demonstrate its cleanliness.

Others have been far more sceptical, calling for viral rather than just bacterial testing to be carried out following an Associated Press study which reported a "major risk" of athletes contracting illnesses.

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) has vowed to carry out independent testing.

Fears have intensified after 15 members of the United States team were taken ill following last week's rowing test event on the similarly polluted Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, although organisers claimed this was unconnected with the water.

Huge concerns remain about pollution levels on Guanabara Bay, both in terms of viruses and physical debris ©Getty Images

Last August's inaugural sailing event at the Marina da Glória on the Bay was generally considered a success - despite reports of dead dogs, cars and a "nasty stench" in the water - and it will be hoped that the picturesque beauty of the setting will overshadow the concerns.

The event, which traditionally takes place a year before the Olympics, is usually a good indicator of who is likely to prosper on the course.

A similar event at Weymouth and Portland held ahead of London 2012 saw 18 eventual Olympic medallists finish on the podium.

The most eagerly anticipated battles include one in the 49er class where London test event and Olympic gold medallists Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen of Australia take their training partners, New Zealand's world champion pairing Peter Burling and Blair Tuke.

The 49FX category will pit Brazil's Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze against another strong New Zealand pair, 2013 world champions Alex Maloney and Molly Meech, who have previously complained about pollution levels on the Bay.

Image title — This diagram shows the course areas that will be tested during the Rio 2016 test event ©ISAF

Britain's in-form Giles Scott, winner of his last 11 ranked regattas, will be hot favourite in the finn class, while Dutchman Dorian van Rijsselberge and France's Charline Picon will hope to lead the way in the respective male and female R:SX windsurfing classes.

Officially entitled the "Aquece Rio - International Sailing Regatta", the event will also allow the ISAF to "evaluate and make key decisions in advance of making the final decisions that will govern the Rio 2016 competition".

Six race courses will be tested throughout the week, three outside of Guanabara Bay and three inside.

Action is set to begin at 1pm on Saturday and continue until for a week until August 22.