Ainslie is a double Olympic gold medallist

Ainslie's gold medal was matched by British duo Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes in the 49er class and Bryony Shaw in the windsurfing.

Joe Glanfield and Nick Rogers came home second in the 470 event.

Britain have more medal chances to come with Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson currently first in the Yngling, while Paul Goodison leads the Lasers.

Ayton, Webb and Wilson are level with the USA crew of Sally Barkow, Carrie Howe and Debbie Capozzi.

Ainslie said he the British success in Qingdao bode well for next year's Olympics in China.

It's vital to be here for this regatta and great news that we have been able to do so well Ben Ainslie

"It has been a great effort by the whole British team," he told BBC Sport.

"Conditions have been very tough. It has been very light and tidal, which is tough for sailing.

"It has been a very good preparation for the Olympic Games next year.

"It is a very difficult venue so every day you get to sail on these waters is a benefit for next year. The key for next year is sailing here as much as possible. It's vital to be here for this regatta and great news that we have been able to do so well.

"I was a little bit anxious going into the regatta because it was 12 months since I raced last which, in any sport, is a ridiculously long time.

"So I am very relieved that I was able to come away with a win and I hope to be able to work harder and come back and do the same next year."

Meanwhile fifth-placed Charlotte Dobson has an outside hope of stealing a place on the podium in the Laser Radial.

Olympic champion Iain Percy and partner Andrew Simpson finished sixth in the Star, Leigh McMilland and Will Howden took fifth in the Tornado, Christina Bassadone and Saskia Clark placed 12th in the women's 470 and Nick Dempsey claimed 11th in the windsurfing.