For each class seven races were scheduled from 19 to 29 July 1980 of the coast of Tallinn (district of Pirita, in present-day Estonia), in that time an illegally annexed part of the USSR at the Baltic Sea.

The sailing was done on the triangular type Olympic courses.

The boycott affected the medalists in most sailing events with a number of European and World champions not participating.

In the Soiling, the Canadian World champion team of Glen Dexter, Andreas Josenhans and [Sandy McMillan] was absent.

Some British athletes participated in the Games under a neutral flag, but the sailing federation chose to join the boycott.