The 48-hour race from Venice to Trieste passed the halfway mark earlier today and the Austrian pairing are on track for glory at the inaugural championship.

A total of seven nations are competing in the double-handed L30 class in the new format, planned for inclusion at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Tuesday's (October 8) in-port race at Marina Fiorita in Venice was cancelled due to light winds, but the 48-hour race started yesterday afternoon.

Berger and Kargl find themselves in the lead after 24 hours on the water and they took to social media to discuss their race so far.

In the post, they said: "We are pretty much in the lead of the fleets.

"Tracking is not showing us every detail but we are looking forward to having a nice race up the coast of Croatia.

"We should finish tomorrow around noon in Trieste.

"We are looking forward to seeing the boats and the crowds."

The Belgian team of Sophie Faguet and Jonas Gerckens sit second, with Mathilde Geron and Pierre Leboucher from France hot on their heels.

The race is due to conclude in Trieste tomorrow lunchtime, coinciding with the Barcolana festival.

Trophies and medals will be awarded on Saturday.