News World Sailing has praised the preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympic regattas, highlighting the renovated venue and improved water quality, after their final visit to the host city this week A top-level delegation from the sport’s international governing body, led by chief executive officer Andy Hunt and head of competitions Alastair Fox, spent two days with Rio 2016 staff being briefed on key operational and service areas for the Games Among these subjects were venue construction, competition schedules, media operations, transport and the continuing efforts to improve water quality in and around Guanabara Bay After its previous visit to Rio in March, World Sailing declared itself satisfied with efforts to ensure the welfare of sailors, and in an article posted the organisation’s website on Thursday (26 May), Hunt said they had seen further progress this week “Since our last visit in March, considerable progress has been made in preparing for the Olympic sailing competition,” he said “Construction at the Marina da Gloria is almost complete and the water quality is noticeably better, particularly in the launch areas around the marina ” Hunt added that the delegation had meet with officials from the Rio mayor’s office and leading environmental authorities to review the latest water-quality data “The trend lines are encouraging, but it will be important that not a single day is lost in implementing the remaining measures that are planned, including the installation of a series of new eco barriers,” he said Fox said the primary focus is to make sure the courses on Guanabara Bay are safe for competitors “Working with Rio 2016 and various governmental authorities, I’m confident we have the right plan in place to deliver a field of play that is safe and fair,” he said “Equally, as with every major sailing regatta, we have detailed plans in place to respond and adapt should conditions change ” Hunt highlighted the beautiful setting and passion for sailing in Brazil as further reasons why the Olympic regatta, which will be staged between 8-18 August, would be successful “Given this history of success and the profile sailing enjoys in Brazil, it is our hope that the beaches surrounding Guanabara Bay will become one of the truly special places for fans during the Rio Games,” he said Related links Sailors welcome announcement of courses and schedule for Rio 2016 Olympic regatta World Health Organisation rules out virus tests in Guanabara Bay Marina da Glória stages second sailing test event with flying colours 'Mission accomplished' as first sailing test event comes to an end