The latest contender for the gruelling Bermuda Challenge boat race appears to have turned back for shore, Bermuda Maritime Operations said.Chris Fertig of Maersk Line set off from New York on Wednesday in the custom-designed TDI Clean Diesel, in the hope of setting a new record for a powerboat to reach Bermuda from the Statue of Liberty.He aimed to knock two hours off the top time for the 780-mile journey, of 22 hours and 23 minutes, set in 2002.The Bermuda Challenge, begun in 1996, is an endurance contest that ends officially at the sea buoy off St George’s.A BMO spokesman last night said official confirmation had not been received, but that online tracking suggested Mr Fertig had reversed course.Useful websites: www.maersklinelimited.com, www.boatingmag.com.