Olympic champions Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze topped 49erFX qualifying at the 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 World Championships ©Getty Images

Olympic champions Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze topped 49erFX qualifying at the 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 World Championships in Auckland.

The Brazilian pair, who earned gold on home water at Rio 2016, moved up to top spot from second after finishing first, second, first and fifth at Royal Akarana Yacht Club.

Their net total of 32.0 points put them way above their nearest opponents, Helene Næss and Marie Rønningen of Norway, who are second with 56.0. 

In third are Kimberly Lim and Cecilia Low of Singapore on 57.0.

With the gold fleet finals due to begin tomorrow, home favourites Alex Maloney and Molly Meech will be aiming to lift themselves from their current seventh place standing. 

John Gimson and Anna Burnet of Britain lead the Nacra 17 class ©Getty Images
John Gimson and Anna Burnet of Britain lead the Nacra 17 class ©Getty Images

In the 49er event, Erik Heil and Thomas Ploessel of Germany took the lead following sixth, first, second and seventh place finishes. 

New Zealand's Olympic champions Pete Burling and Blair Tuke are in second, while Benjmain Bildstein and David Hussl of Austria sit third. 

John Gimson and Anna Burnet of Britain continued to dominate the Nacra 17 fleet, maintaining their place at the top of the standings with 20.0 after recording third, ninth and second place finishes. 

Behind them are Vittorio Bissaro and Maelle Frascari of Italy on 21.0, while Australian siblings Nathan and Haylee Outteridge have 23.0.

The gold fleet finals begin tomorrow, with medal racing scheduled for Sunday (December 8).