San Pedro Is LA’s Olympic Sailing Legacy—And Its Future

In a time when Los Angeles is searching for clarity and community confidence around the 2028 Olympic Games, there is one decision that offers both a powerful course correction and a chance to inspire global momentum: move Olympic sailing from Long Beach to San Pedro.

On March 28, 2025, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to approve amendments to the LA28 Venue Plan, explicitly conditioning that approval on the relocation of sailing to the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro. Yet LA28’s subsequent press release omitted any mention of this directive, calling into question whether the voices of the city and its communities will be honored.

This is not just a matter of location—it is a matter of legacy, performance, and public trust. San Pedro is not only the historic home of Olympic sailing in LA, hosting the very first Olympic sailing events on the West Coast nearly a century ago in 1932, but it is also where the sport can shine brightest in 2028.

Why San Pedro?

World-Class Sailing Conditions

San Pedro’s “Hurricane Gulch” is internationally renowned for its strong, consistent winds—ideal for Olympic-level foiling and high-performance racing. Unlike Long Beach’s sheltered waters, San Pedro delivers tactical, thrilling conditions worthy of the Olympic stage.

Spectator Access and Atmosphere

With a natural shoreline amphitheater that can host more spectators than any Olympic venue has ever seen, San Pedro transforms sailing into a stadium sport—something Long Beach cannot offer. It creates access for local fans, energy for athletes, visual excitement for media, and revenue.

Safety and Security

The Port of Los Angeles is policed by a full-time, highly trained marine division—providing a level of security Long Beach cannot match. San Pedro is positioned to be the safest sailing venue in Olympic history.

Turnkey Infrastructure

No need for costly new builds. San Pedro already has robust electrical, internet, and facilities infrastructure in place—delivering Olympic readiness with fiscal responsibility.

A Legacy Beyond 2028

As Councilmembers Nithya Raman, Traci Park, and Imelda Padilla recently emphasized, LA28 is required to submit a Games dissolution plan that aligns with circular economy principles—reusing Olympic resources for lasting community benefit. San Pedro embodies this vision.

And we’re not just preserving history—we’re building the future.

With our upgraded infrastructure, we are launching new programs to create pathways for underserved youth, many of whom have never had access to the ocean or exposure to maritime careers. I am proud to be a part of this effort, working with waterfront organizations across San Pedro to unite around a shared mission: to better serve our broader Los Angeles communities through creating waterfront access, for ocean-based learning, training, and opportunity.

Proven Performance on the Global Stage

San Pedro has already proven itself as a world-class venue, having successfully hosted two SailGP seasons. These events showcased San Pedro’s exceptional wind conditions, safety logistics, and spectator experience—all under the eyes of international federations, athletes, and fans. The results speak for themselves: this venue works, and the world has taken notice.

And for over a century, San Pedro has stood at the forefront of sailing innovation and culture. This is the home of the Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac), founded in 1906 by Clarence MacFarlane, who envisioned a world-class race between Los Angeles and Honolulu to promote international yachting. That tradition of bold ideas and global connection continues today.

Standing Up for What’s Right  

We commend Councilmember Tim McOsker and our local community leaders for taking bold, principled action to support what’s right for the sport of sailing, for the city of Los Angeles, and for generations of young athletes yet to come. Their leadership is a model for how public service and sport can align to create meaningful legacy.

A Call to Action

We respectfully urge the LA28 Organizing Committee, the International Olympic Committee, and global sailing authorities to follow the leadership of the City of Los Angeles and bring the 2028 Olympic Sailing Games to San Pedro.

Let us honor our past. Let us showcase the very best of our sport. Let us leave behind not just memories—but a movement.