crew of the Wildcat catamaran sat down with the Royal Gazette for a conversation about what happened at sea.

The journey took the crew from Philidephia to Bermuda via New York, racing a speed boat, flirting with dolphins and sharks, pushing through 20-foot waves, docking with a cruise ship in terrible weather, malfunctioning engines and refuelling from US Navy surplus fuel cells.

The crew included co-owner brothers Edward and William Lawrence and friends, Anthony Mello, Sean Pitcher, Dave Block, Steve Frischmann and Clive Hook.

Of the crew, three were mechanics and four qualified pilots.

Edward Lawrence told the Gazette : "I was never worried, never scared.'' Experienced sailor Anthony Mello said: "Its the best ride I've ever had in some of the roughest weather I've ever been in.'' He added, with a huge grin, "The rougher the better.'' The journey started in Philadephia when the crew joined the purpose-built Wildcat that had been shipped from Australia.

The craft is a highly specialised craft that includes a horizontal hydrofoil, designed and handbuilt by a professor in South Africa.

"Some of the stuff is new, but tried and tested,'' Edward Lawrence said.

The crew described a feeling of complete trust in the craft, saying that they never thought their lives were in danger.

"We would have made it,'' Willam said.

The craft was well stocked with water, food and fuel before the trip began but when they ran into foul weather, it was a challenge not to burn up fuel.

Edward Lawrence shrugged: "Guess we missed our weather window.'' Going Strong The crew of the Wildcat (from left) Steve Frischmann, brothers and co-owners William and Edward Lawrence and Sean Pitcher. Kneeling Dave Block, Anthony Mello and Clive Hook.