Brits grab 13 medals

In addition they underlined their superiority at the Rolex Olympic Classes Regatta by sweeping the podium in both the Finn and 49er classes.

Giles Scott led the Finn regatta from start to finish, although triple Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie did his best to narrow the gap over his team-mate by winning the double-points scoring medal race.  

Scott finished fifth to give him overall victory by a point, with silver going to the triple Olympic gold medallist Ainslie, and bronze to fellow Brit Andrew Mills.

"The medal race was pretty tricky," admitted Scott.  "I had the tack of trying to go after Andrew and Ben just to kind of ruffle them a bit, and I managed to give Ben a penalty turn with about 20 seconds to go. 

"Unfortunately that penalty turn forced him out to the right which was the favoured end and he ended up going round first or second and won the race which kind of made things a bit difficult for me. 

"But holding on to fifth was what I needed to do and that's what I did, so I'm massively happy."

John Pink and Rick Peacock had already assured gold in the 49er event before the final medal race started, heading into the day with an unassailable 23 point lead.  

The concluding race was won by fellow Brits Paul Brotherton and Mark Asquith, who took silver, while Dave Evans and Ed Powys completed the podium.

"It's good to start the year by winning the first event," said Pink.  "We're looking forward to the rest of the season and trying to keep up the good work."

Nic Asher and Elliot Willis claimed gold in the 470 class, eclipsing team-mates and fleet leaders Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell, who dropped from first to third after placing tenth.

Elsewhere, Penny Clark and Katrina Hughes won women's 470 silver while windsurfers Bryony Shaw and Nick Dempsey were also second in their classes.

Sweden's Rasmus Mrygren won the men's Laser with Great Britain's Paul Goodison, the Olympic champion, settling for bronze.

Paralympians John Robertson, Hannah Stodel and Steve Thomas started Great Britain's gold rush on Friday when they secured gold in the Sonar class.