Peter Burling takes gold - a day early

From 20-26 April 2015 ISAF Sailing World Cup, Peter Burling (left) and Blair Tuke have their eye on the prize. Photo/file

Tauranga's Peter Burling has won gold in his latest sailing event in France.

The remarkable sailing partnership of Burling, 24, and Blair Tuke, 25, produced more silverware as they defended their world 49er title at the ISAF Sailing World Cup Hyeres Regatta.

It was their 18th successive regatta win and came with a day to spare.

They go into the final races tonight with an unassailable 45 points lead over their fiercest rivals in Australian's Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen, who beat Burling and Tuke to gold at the 2012 London Olympics.

Burling and Tuke clinched the title with a second and a win on the penultimate day of the regatta held in challenging conditions.