Junior had arrived at today’s double-points medal race with a 16-point advantage over his nearest challenger at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club in Australia, and seventh place on a day of big seas and strong winds was enough to leave him with a five point margin as he finished with a total of 60.

He is the first Kiwi to win the title. 

Nicholas Heiner of The Netherlands, third on the day, took overall second place with 65 points, ahead of Hungary’s Zsombor Berecz, who placed second for a total of 76.

Australia’s Jake Lilley won the medal race to finish fifth overall on 91 points, one place behind Scott, who had needed a strong finish to his regatta but was only able to finish eighth.

With the event also doubling up as the Oceania Continental Qualifier, Lilley also secured Australia the Tokyo 2020 qualifying spot after New Zealand had secured their spot at last year’s World Championships.

Lilley had finished eighth at Rio 2016, one position behind Junior.

"It was important to go out and have a strong race today and set a mark so that everyone understands that we are coming for Tokyo 2020," he said.

"To do it on home waters with all the support I got is extra special."

Scott claimed his relatively poor performance would help him focus for Tokyo 2020.

First, though, he must first turn to his other sailing commitment as part of Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup challenge.

"Today was a big day – we had 20 knots gusting 25, and a heavy sea state off the sea wall here in Melbourne," he said.

"It was tough racing and, unfortunately for me, it wasn’t the way I wanted to end the regatta.

"It would definitely have been nice to finish this year as European and world champion but ultimately it’s not about world titles, it’s about preparation for the Games.

"This week will serve as a bit of a wake-up call."