The British pair held on to win the world title ©Getty Images

Ben Saxton and Katie Dabson held their nerve in the final medal race to claim a three point victory over their Spanish rivals at the Nacra 17 World Championships on the bay of Aigues Mortes at La Grande-Motte in France.

The British duo held a four-point lead at the beginning of the day but gave their rivals an opportunity after only placing 10th and 11th in the next two races.

Ruggero Tita and Caterina Banti of Italy briefly took the lead only for a collision early in the medal race to end their hopes.

Spain’s 2008 Olympic tornado gold medallist and 2011 470 world champion Tara Pacheco duly rose up the leaderboard by placing third in the decided.

But second place finish for the Briton proved key. 

They finished on a haul of 92 points - to win by three.

Tara Pacheco and Fernando Echavarri of Spain took silver ©Getty Images
Tara Pacheco and Fernando Echavarri of Spain took silver ©Getty Images

“It’s unbelievable. It’s every dream come true!” said Saxton.

“I’ve never been an Olympic classes world champion before. 

"Well done to Katie, and thanks to our coaches and to National Lottery funding from back at home. 

"It’s awesome!”

Tita and Banti took a distant bronze, 14 points behind, after surrendering their earlier lead.

Paul Kohlhoff and Alica Stuhlemmer of Germany took fifth place, on 115 points, after winning the medals race.

The mixed Nacra 17 class first featured on the Olympic programme at Rio 2016 and is due to return at Tokyo 2020.

The World Championships are, however, the first competition to feature a newly configured foil design.