A shipping delay had prevented the SL16 sailors from getting their competition underway on the first two days of the Championship, but they were able use New Year’s Day, originally supposed to be a rest day, to catch up on missed races.

The French pairing had made a dominant start to the event yesterday after winning all four races in the yellow fleet and they were able to replicate their achievement on the fourth day of the regatta.

It saw them move onto a total of seven points to lie three ahead of the Australian crew of Shaun Connor and Sophie Renouf, who have been competing in the blue fleet.

Flament and Dorange still fear New Zealand will prove a threat to their chances of success in the coming days, having enjoyed battles with the crew of Tamryn Lindsay and William McKenzie.

"We had more confrontations today with New Zealand and it progressed in to some great races,” Flament said.

“It was more difficult than yesterday and we improved our sailing, so we are pleased with our performance."

"We haven't sailed against Australia and the USA yet, and New Zealand are a serious competitor in the future.”

While the Australians are three points behind the leaders, the Lindsay and McKenzie are currently nine points behind after three second and one third place finish during the day’s racing.

Italy’s Gianluigi Ugolini and Maria Guibilei are currently tied for fourth on 20 points with the American pair Mark and Anderson Brunsvold.

All fleets are due to return to the water tomorrow, with the regatta due to come to an end on Sunday (January 3).