Sailing has been a mainstay in the Olympic programme, featuring in all but one of the editions of the Games.

But Kirketerp insisted that it was key to make sure that the sport continued to modernise as society changes.

World Sailing has made alterations for Paris 2024, replacing the men’s and women’s two-person dinghy with the mixed two-person dinghy, the RS:X windsurfer with the foiling iQFOIL class and the fine event with the contests in the mixed kite and mixed two-person keelboat offshore disciplines.

Kirketerp, who captured the 49er crown at Beijing 2008, said he was looking forward to seeing the action unfold at Marseille Marine during next year’s Games.

"I am not following Olympic sailing that closely, but I know there will be a lot more foiling," Kirketerp told insidethegames.

"It’s going to be very spectacular to see some racing.

"I am not too sure about the race format, but I think there will be some very cool stuff to watch.

"Times are changing for sailing with the modern world, and we have got to adapt to make it as spectacular as possible with high speeds, crashes, high intensity and make sure it is close to the cities.

"Some circuits are really doing a good job at that.

"The Ocean Race with the in-port race and parades and SailGP is another good example for that and the way the Olympic sailing is going with formula kite and IQfoil.

"You can say what you want about racecourses being 10 kilometres out from the marinas but money comes from branding, TV and sponsorship."

Kirketerp was part of Team Jajo as they finished second behind WindWhisper in the VO65 in-port race that was staged in his home city of Aarhus.

About 300 boats carried more than 1,000 spectators as they were able to get close to the action which Kirketerp said was "essential" for the growth of the sport.

"I am a local Aarhus boy so it is fantastic to see The Ocean Race here  - a race that I was dreaming about as a kid," Kirketerp said.

"To actually partake in the race is amazing.

"We did the parade yesterday and there were plenty of people out here.

"It was something to remember.

"Hopefully this can kick-start a few young people and hopefully they want to partake in The Ocean Race in the future.

"You never know what triggers a child into thinking this is what you want to do.

"It could be one speech you give.

"Ninety per cent won’t remember anything after 10 minutes but one girl or boy will remember what you said for the rest of their life.

"An event like this has the opportunity to change people’s lives."

Sailing is Denmark’s most successful Olympic sport, winning 13 golds, nine silvers and nine bronzes.

Anne-Marie Rindom was Denmark’s sole sailing medallist at Tokyo 2020, clinching the women’s laser radial title and Kirketerp is hopeful of more success at Paris 2024.

"Denmark is always getting a minimum of one medal per Olympics in sailing and I hope we can bring that up a bit," added Kirketerp.

"We cannot compete with Britain as they are always winning five medals but we are definitely not a sloppy country.

"It’s our biggest sport."