Jarvi was chosen by an electronic vote ahead of Canada's Tina Baylis during the 49er Class Annual General Meeting, which was held on a virtual platform.

He replaces Ireland's Marcus Spillane, who had served two terms since being elected in 2012.

The 54-year-old Jarvi won the Olympic gold medal with Thomas Johanson at Sydney 2000 when the 49er class made its debut in the Games after being chosen by the International Sailing Federation, as the world governing body was then known, to be the men's high-performance double-handed dinghy event.

The 49er Class Association is one of more than 80 classes recognised by World Sailing.

Since his sailing days he has remained a part of the 49er class as founder of the Finnish 49er Grand Prix series and more recently as a coach of 49er and 49erFX teams.

Jarvi has as an extensive knowledge base in all aspects of sailing and management with a strong base in the technical aspects of the sport, it is claimed.

He has extensive experience in sponsorship and television with the Finish 49er Grand Prix designed to help showcase the discipline in Finland.

Tributes were paid to Spillane, who had served as the voluntary chief executive of the 49er Class for six years before he was elected President.

He was praised for professionalising the organisation and helping improve the standards of flagship events, including the World Championships.