The 34-year-old endured a frustrating opener in Weymouth as poor conditions meant the two scheduled Finn races was reduced by half – Ainslie finishing second in his only outing of the day.

First place was taken by New Zealand’s Dan Slater but more importantly for Ainslie he finished ahead of his rivals for the only British Olympic spot in just over a year’s time with 2010 Sail for Gold champion Giles Scott in sixth and reigning world champion Ed Wright further down the pack in ninth.

But despite winning the domestic battle, three-time Olympic champion Ainslie was disappointed to throw away top spot during the race but is determined not to let lightning strike twice.

“It was a good race, we waited long enough for it and thankfully the conditions sorted themselves out and we were able to get out there,” Team Skandia GBR’s Ainslie said.

“I made a small mistake when I was in the lead to give it up but I was still happy after what has been a very difficult day.

“It was disappointing to not finish first after being in the position I was but I have to learn from this and take it into the rest of the week and I will try and not let it happen again.

“The forecast is for a bit more breeze for the rest of the week and so that’s positive and hopefully we can get out earlier and not wait around so much.

“It could mean three races on Tuesday which shows how much there really is to go in the competition so although it is a good start I know there is still work to do.”