The Olympic status for the Soling arrived after the 1968 Olympics. IYRU decided that the 5.5 Metre had to make place for the Soling in the 1972 Olympics.
The Soling's Olympic standing was established following the 1968 Games. Consequently, IYRU decided that the 5.5 Metre had to be replaced by the Soling at the 1972 Olympics.