Action was initially delayed because of low winds, which then turned from one extreme to another as immediate stormy conditions curtailed any chance of sailing on the day, with lightning and gusts of up to 38 knots, according to Sail World.

Day four was set to be the first day where competitors would split in gold, silver and bronze fleets.

The six races will now be squeezed between the two days remaining, rather than three. 

"This weekend's wind will mean it is a really physical end to the regatta," said Australian sailing team laser head coach Michael Blackburn.

"The guys' performance and endurance in those last two days is going to count for everything. 

"There will be more nuances in their decisions and their ability to make snap decisions in a dense fleet, it's going to make all the difference."

Germany's Philipp Buhl and France's Jean Baptiste Bernaz sit in first and second, respectively, heading into the gold fleet with four race wins each.