A three-man crew will today set out to break the New York to Bermuda powerboat record.

Led by captain Chuck Arnold, the three Americans will attempt to beat the existing record of 22 hours and 23 minutes when they start their crossing this afternoon.

"We have set an aggressive target of completing the crossing to Bermuda in 18-19 hours," said Mr. Arnold.

"To accomplish this, our plan is to run at an average speed of 44 knots from the Statue of Liberty to Bermuda – nonstop!"

The boat, Big Dog, is a 39-foot Contender powered by three Yamaha 350 hp outboards. It will also carry a trackable GPS system so the crew's progress can be followed online.

The previous record for the 774–mile journey was set in July 2002, when two men made the crossing in a 30-foot catamaran. The "Bermuda Challenge", as it has become known, was first attempted in 1996 after Boating Magazine proposed a run from New York in a powerboat smaller than 40 feet.

Mr. Arnold, and his crew of Les Stewart and Eddie Winder, should arrive here at about noon tomorrow.