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"Out of a quota of 100 sailors, we've managed to qualify 60 nations which is a really good ratio," he said. "We've got a very established scene in Europe and North America, so it is great to watch other countries emerging. Diversity in our sport is very important to us."

IOC president Jacques Rogge, who led the campaign to set up the Youth Olympic Games from the day he took office in 2001, is a three-time Olympian in sailing.

"It is always nice to have friends in high places," said Fox. "I am hoping he will be able to come and see some of the events."

Part of an emerging nations programme at senior level, the ISAF have begun organising coaching courses in Australia to help countries new to sailing achieve qualification for the 2011 World Championships in Perth (AUS).

At Saturday night's opening ceremony, Darren Choy (SIN), who starts as one of the favourites in the Boys' Byte class, lit the Olympic cauldron.

"Singapore sailors have done fantastically well in the last couple of years, and not just at junior level," said Fox. "So it will be terrific to see some of the battles on the water."

For full details on the Sailing competition at the Youth Olympic Games visit: www.sailing.org/yog