Both Australia and Britain had been hoping for an Olympic gold medal in today’s sailing race, but it was the Aussies who steamed into the finish in first place while Britain took silver.

Four points separated Australia and Britain as they set out to race for gold in the postponed men’s two-hander 470 sailing class today and the race was watched intently by both countries.

Aussie sailors Mathew Belcher and Malcolm Page, triple world champions, were the overall favouriets to win and in the event they beat off the competition from British challengers Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell.

Page, who is now the first Australian sailor to win back-to-back gold medals, said the pair’s tactics for the final were clear.

“Beat them. We’ve just got to keep sailing how we’re sailing,” Page said.

 Racing was called off on Thursday because of a lack of wind.