Tom Burton, pictured celebrating Olympic gold, leads in the laser class ©Getty Images

Olympic champion Tom Burton was among the early leaders on the opening day of a test event for next year's World Sailing Championships in Aarhus.

Competition in all 10 Olympic classes began today, with medal races scheduled for Saturday (August 12) and Sunday (August 13).

Action had initially been delayed due to a lack of wind.

Burton replicated his Olympic form by leading the opening races in the laser class in front of fellow countryman Matthew Wearn.

He enjoyed a first, second and third place finish to end the day two points clear on six.

Thomas Saunders of New Zealand sits in third on 12.

Marit Bouwmeester, also an Olympic champion, was another figure to enjoy a good day ©Getty Images
Marit Bouwmeester, also an Olympic champion, was another figure to enjoy a good day ©Getty Images

Olympic champion Marit Bouwmeester of The Netherlands won both races to lead the laser radial class.

Poland's Agata Barwinska sits second, on 12 points, with Maxime Jonker, another member of the Dutch team, third.

Brothers William and Sam Phillips are other Australian leaders after a strong day in the 49er class.

They lie on five points and lead by 12 over Benjamin Bildstein and David Hussl of Austria.

Fritiof Hedström and Otto Hamel of Sweden lie a further point behind in third.