Action got underway in Cherbourg ©FISU

Spain's second crew lead the way after day one of the World University Sailing Championship in Cherbourg in France.

Their boat earned two race victories, a third and a sixth from their four outings on the water.

This has given them 11.00 points.

Competitors are racing windward-leeward courses in what is the world's largest artificial harbour.

France 2 are second on home water after two second places, a third and a fourth.

This has also tallied them 11.00 but they are in second due to fewer victories.

Australia 2 lie third on 12.00 after two wins, a third and a seventh.

Five days of action are scheduled in all with Australia, South Korea, Italy, China, Singapore, The Netherlands, Austria, Japan, Spain and hosts France all taking part.

Ninety athletes are registered with the competition taking place in J80 boats which were allocated by a draw.

This is the first World University Championship held in the fleet racing format, rather than match racing.