The conditions were perfect as temperatures reached 25 degrees and winds averaged at around 15 knots on the Markermeer waters.

Lambriex and Van der Werken reminded their rivals why they are world champions by winning five of the last six races to seal the overall victory.

"It was quite a strong field," said Van der Werken.

"A few of the world’s best are missing, but not many.

"We didn’t really focus on the results this week, though, we never do.

"The focus was on communication onboard.

"We try to sail as one brain but with the capacity of two.

"Four eyes see more than two, but we have to think the same.

"That went very well this week.

"If the communication is good, if we give each other the right information, then we make the right decisions and we win."

The Dutch pair's compatriots Odile van Aanholt and Annette Duetz, who are also reigning world champions, hold the lead in the 49erFX fleet despite being off the pace in today's action.

Belgium's Isaura Maenholt and Anouk Geurts have shot into second place overall and are just four points away from pole as they won the last two races of the afternoon.

Huig Jan Tak closed the gap to Max Castelein, with the Dutch teammates now sharing top spot with 14 points each setting up a thrilling finale in the men's iQFOIL division.

Louise Cervera of France tumbled from first to eighth in the ILCA 6 leaderboard as a result of the strong winds.

This left the way clear for Greece's Vasileia Karachaliou to take over the yellow jersey for the first time this week, seven points clear of reigning world champion Emma Plasschaert of Belgium.