World Champions and Olympic medallists Mat Belcher and Will Ryan have taken an early lead in the 470 fleet, after hitting the waters of Enoshima for their first day of competition.

"There were lots of nerves and everyone was a bit erratic, but the goal was to get two good scores on the board and get into a rhythm as early as possible," Belcher said.

"We'll probably get a better night's sleep tonight."

The duo finished second and fifth in their opening two races, to take top spot on the overall standings.  
Victorian brothers Will and Sam Phillips also had a day out to remember, recording strong results after two of their Tuesday heats were postponed due to mixed winds. 

Will and Sam Phillips sailing the 49er

World Champions and Olympic medallists Mat Belcher and Will Ryan have taken an early lead in the 470 fleet, after hitting the waters of Enoshima for their first day of competition.

"We were offshore a long way which was beautiful because the waves were a bit larger and wider out there, it wasn't quite as choppy so that was good for the 49er," Will said. 

They claimed Australia's first win in the heats, in their second race of the day, and are sitting in third place overall. 

Medal contenders Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin stormed home in a thrilling finish to the final Nacra 17 race of the day, in a contest that saw them sneak home ahead of old rivals Argentina. 

"We were really stoked to squeeze home in that finish," Waterhouse said. 

The cousins had a three-race day, placing second, 11th and fourth to finish in third spot overall. 

Lisa Darmanin and Jason Waterhouse sailing the Nacra 17

Queenslander Jake Lilley is ninth in the one-man Finn class after two more races today. The sailor posted a strong first race but couldn't quite back it up in the second. 

"It was a bit like snakes and ladders today," Lilley said.

"But it's good to be in the top ten, I'm one step closer to and a step in the right direction of where I want to go."  

The 470 women's team of Monique de Vries and Nia Jerwood are ninth after two races, and described their first day of competition as "solid." 

"I don't think we could have asked for better conditions for our first day," de Vries said.

"We tend to like the stronger winds, I think it's a fairly well known fact." 

Nia Jerwood and Monique de Vries sailing the 470

And the 49erFX team of Tess Lloyd and Jaime Ryan are 12th after six races.  

"Today was one of those full on Enoshima days that we have been hanging out for," Ryan said.

"We were on one of the outside courses so we had some good waves and we feel like we're sailing nice and consistent."  

The top ten in each class will qualify for the final Medal Race, in which points acquired will be doubled. 

Original source: Katherine Firkin via olympics.com.au