He secured victories in both of the men's Hansa 303 races to move into gold medal position in the early stages of the event.

Symonds was followed across the finish line on both occasions by Rio 2016 Paralympian Piotr Cichocki of Poland.

The pair have two and four points respectively.

Germany’s Jens Kroker follows in third place.

"When you get on the start line and you see people looking up to windward beat with just over a minute to go you know the sailors are switched on and watching," said Symonds.

"Those two guys, Cichocki and Kroker, were doing that and they're very good sailors.

"There's no doubt about that, to be amongst them is pretty special.

"I'm not a Paralympic sailor but I have been sailing for many years, since I was ten and I love it.

"My condition with Kennedy's Disease has stopped me sailing bigger boats so now I'm in the smaller boats, travelling the world and loving it."

France's Magali Moraines and Spain’s Violeta del Reino share the lead in the women’s event on four points.

Moraines claimed a win and a fourth place finish, while Del Reino was the runner-up in both races.

Singapore’s Qian Yin Yap earned one victory to lie in third place on eight points.

The 2.4 Norlin class is led by Daniel Bina of the Czech Republic, having achieved first and third place finishes in the day’s two races.

He lies on four points, with defending champion Heiko Kroger of Germany just two points behind in second place.

Rio 2016 Paralympic gold medallist Damien Seguin of France is third on eight points, after following up a seventh place in the first race with victory in the second.