Sailing fans from far and wide came together on Monday (8 August) ​to watch the first day of the Rio 2016 Olympic sailing regattas. From their prime position on Flamengo beach, they were able to take in magnificent views of Sugarloaf Mountain, as the boats set out from the nearby Marina da Gloria and headed out across Guanabara Bay.

Competition got underway around 1pm, with winds registered at 10 knots (18.5 km/hr). A big screen mounted on the sand showed the action out on the water, where winds were blowing at close to 40 km/hr.

Windsurf competitors just off Flamengo beach (Photo: Rio 2016/Alex Ferro)

A casual, very carioca-style spectator area has been set up on the sands of Flamengo beach.

“It’s great, it’s well organised,” said Frenchman Ronix, who had travelled from Brittany to support compatriot Pierre Le Coq, and was proudly sporting his national colours. “I’m very happy to be taking part in this big celebration,” he said, in a reference to the enthusiastic Brazilian crowd. “It’s totally different to what you see at football games in France,” he added.

Fans watch the action unfolding out at sea from the comfort of the beach (Photo: Rio 2016/Saulo Pereira Guimarães)

Also watching the race was Japanese fan Tetsuhi Koike, who crossed the globe for the Rio 2016 sailing competition. The Tokyo native is a sailor himself, and is in Rio to support his compatriots. “This is a good venue for sailing,” he said. “The strong wind does not favour the Japanese, it’s better for other teams. But even so, I like the location.”

Tetsuhi Koike flies the flag for Japan (Photo: Rio 2016/Saulo Pereira Guimarães)

Trinidad was supported by the trio of Keba, Terri Ann and Quintin, meanwhile. “We came to watch all the events that our country will compete in,” said Quintin. “The beach here is pretty, but ours are even better,” was Terri Ann’s verdict.

Follow the Rio 2016 sailing competitions