World Sailing: Giles Scott wins Finn class gold in Santander

Giles Scott only needed to finish Sunday's medal race to ensure a gold medal

Giles Scott maintained his unbeaten regatta run since returning to Finn class sailing a year ago to win gold at the World Championships in Santander.

The 27-year-old dominated the fleet after he built up a comfortable 20-point lead going into the medal race.

Scott came fourth in Sunday's race but only had to finish to win gold. Fellow Briton Ed Wright's third place gave him the bronze.

Croatia's Ivan Kljakovic Gaspic won the final race to secure a silver medal.

Scott has now won back-to-back world titles and his victory delivered Great Britain's only gold medal in Spain.

Ed Wright's third place in Sunday's final Finn class race gave him the bronze

"I'm very happy with the way this week and this season has gone," he told BBC Sport.

"I feel as if I'm on track and just really relieved and happy to have come away with a victory.

"The final race for me was very relaxed because I had a very good margin," he added.

"I just had to get round the course. It gave me a lot of time to reflect and enjoy the race."

Wright was fourth going into the medal race but closed out bronze after finishing ahead of Jonathan Lobert of France.

"I was really happy to get the medal. I can't complain about that," the 36-year-old said.

"It was all to play for and it was a really fun race to be a part of.

"I've got a big winter planned, so it should be fun."

The British sailing team reached their target of four medals at the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) event. Qualification for Rio 2016 in each of the 10 Olympic classes was secured.

Scott, who returned to Finn class racing last September after an America's Cup campaign, has targeted a place at the Rio Olympics after he missed out on selection for London 2012 to eventual gold medallist Ben Ainslie.

"I've had a great season and I've managed to win a lot of regattas this year so I hope it continues," Scott said.

"It is something I have put a lot of emphasis on since I came back from the America's Cup.

"It is important to be able to go into the Games as a favourite. Ultimately, that is the goal going forward."