Sailing at the 1956 Summer Olympics

As there would be from 1948-68, there were five yachting events at the 1956 Olympics. The 6-metre class, which had been held from 1908-52, was eliminated and replaced by the Sharpie, a two-person heavyweight dinghy, although this was the only time this class was contested at the Olympics. All the 1956 yachting events were held in the northern end of Port Phillip Bay, a large bay just off the southern coast of Melbourne. The scoring system was the same as in 1948 and 1952, and would remain standard through 1964. Points were awarded in each race based on placement in the race and the number of boats racing. The worst of a boat’s seven scores were eliminated, thus using the best six of seven scores for the final total.

Nine nations won medals in 1956 yachting, with Sweden winning two gold medals and Great Britain winning the most medals, with three – one silver and two bronze. Australia, Denmark, Sweden, and the United States won two medals each.