Twenty-six sailors, on 13 boats, from 13 nations competed.

[1] The races were held on a 10 nautical mile (18.5 km) course.

Dutch teams dominated this class in the 1950s, but they boycotted the 1956 Olympics, protesting the Soviet invasion of Hungary.

Australia initially won the final, but were demoted to second place after France argued that the Australian boat obstructed their path.

[2] DNF = Did not finish, DNS= Did not start, DSQ = Disqualified = Male, = Female Three race areas were needed during the Olympics at Port Phillip.