The Bermuda Challenge has a new champion, after determined mariner Chris Fertig reached the Island in record time from New York harbour.Mr Fertig was turned back on last year’s attempt by bad weather, but arrived victorious in St George’s just after 8am yesterday, after crossing nearly 800 miles of ocean.He beat the 2002 record of 22 hours and 23 minutes, by a healthy margin of 44 minutes, in a 37-foot craft.“A lot of people have tried, and Neil Burnie held the record for ten years,” said Peppercorn Marine proprietor John Trimingham, who met the arriving boat. “These guys have nicked a good piece of time off the record. There will be triers in the future. It’s a good test for the technology.”Founded in 1996, the Bermuda Challenge is an endurance trial set for powerboats.Mr Fertig set off on Saturday, in a Statement Marine 37 powered by twin diesel engines.The Virginia Beach native, a general manager for Maersk Line, had aimed to knock two hours off the record last year.Useful website: www.boatingmag.com.