The German pair, who topped qualifying, earned three top-10 finishes on the day to move closer to a first world title in an event that also includes opportunities for Tokyo 2020 qualification.

They have a net total of 39.0 points, with the New Zealanders on 48.0 and France's Lucas Rual and Amile Amoros a distant third on 71.0, two points ahead of Britain's Dylan Fletcher and Stuart Bithell.

Reigning 49erFX world champions Annemiek Bekkering and Annette Duetz of The Netherlands put together a nine-point day from the three races sailed to pull themselves to within 11 points of the Rio 2016 gold medallists Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze of Brazil.

The Olympic champions have a net total of 40.0, with the Dutch pair on 51.0 and Tina Lutz and Susann Beucke of Germany on 63.0.

In the foiling Nacra 17 class, Lin Cenholt  and CP Lubeck produced the best results on the day, but still lie in fourth place on 53.0 points.

Vittorio Bissaro and Maelle Frascari of Italy continue to lead overall having scored 42.0, with Australia's Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darminan and Britain's John Gimson and Anna Burnet second and third, respectively, on 49.0.

Australia's Nathan and Haylee Outteridge, who finished third in qualifying, had a day that could spell the end of their Tokyo 2020 selection hopes, as they fell to 12th overall and racked up 52 points in just three races.

Britain's European champions Ben Saxton and Nicola Boniface, back in eighth on 67.0, will need to have a stellar finish to their regatta if they have any hopes of reeling in Gimson and Burnet.

But the biggest surprise is that Italy's Rio 2016 champions and current world champions, Ruggero Tita and Caterina Banti, who have set the standard since the Nacra 17 moved to the current foiling configuration, are having to watch their compatriots lead the class from the uncharacteristically low position of 16th place.