Exhausted and groggy, Troy Shields and Larry Graf could barely muster the strength to celebrate their place in boating history.

Their 728-mile voyage from Virginia to Bermuda on a 26-foot catamaran had proved a giant test of the human spirit.

It had also asked searching questions about their vessel, Glacier Bay , and latest boating technology.

But as the American duo guided their motorised craft into Bermudian waters at 1 a.m. on Sunday, they knew both challenges had been answered.

It had taken them 36 and a half hours -- much of the time spent without sleep -- to write their names into the record books.

Now just one test remained; to keep their eyes open long enough to toast their triumph with a welcoming party which went to greet them.

"We were a bit groggy, but it was a terrific feeling to complete what we set out to accomplish,'' said 34-year-old Mr. Shields. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure -- an incredible trip. It's extremely unusual to make such a journey on so small a vessel. In fact it's never been done before! "There were others who attempted the journey, but most never got to the halfway point.'' His 39-year-old partner -- president of Seattle-based boat-building firm, Glacier Bay Boats -- was equally thrilled.

"It was just terrific and it was great to receive a heroes' welcome in Bermuda,'' he said.

The epic voyage stemmed from a challenge to boat builders and manufacturers by New York-based Boating Magazine .

It dared them to drive a power boat from the United States mainland to Bermuda.

"Larry is a great guy, we think alike, and thought we would give it a try,'' said Mr. Shields, general manager of Virginia-based Todd Marine, which specialises in power catamarans.

Small boat races to Island The pair also had supreme confidence in their Glacier Bay catamaran, powered by two Honda marine 90 horsepower outboard engines.

Egged on by a small group of supporters, the pair left Virginia Beach at about noon on Friday.

"For the first day and a half the weather was beautiful. The water was flat and calm with a large ocean swell,'' said Mr. Shields.

"About 150 miles from Bermuda, however, things changed. We hit some really weird, bizarre seas. I've never seen anything like it.

"The waves were coming at us from three different directions. It wasn't scary, just strange and a little bumpy.

"There were no injuries, but it became a little difficult for us. I wouldn't have made the trip on anything other than a Glacier Bay catamaran. It stood up really well.'' Mr. Shields said he and his friend took turns keeping watch, getting very little sleep. Fortunately, neither found the conditions too cramped.

"We probably had some of the best electronics you can get. We just observed from time to time.

"Auto-pilot did all the driving. I would say we drove for about 20 minutes.'' The voyage provided plenty of opportunities to marvel at the ocean.

"It was just incredible. I've never seen water so blue,'' said Mr. Shields, who hails from Norfolk, Virginia.

"We saw lots of tunas, dolphins, and big-billed fish. I saw one of the biggest blue marlins I've ever seen some 250 miles out.

"I would say it was at least 12 feet long. It went up in the air and turned sideways and splashed down.

"Twenty-five seconds later it went underneath us and came at us like a torpedo. It was just beautiful.

"We also saw some awesome sunrises. It was simply breathtaking.'' The pair used a camcorder to record their trip -- although sadly the blue marlin moved too quickly to be captured.

Said Mr. Shields: "For a lot of the time we didn't see anybody out on the ocean.

"About 350 miles from the US we saw a few fishing boats and ships, but after we got to the halfway point we didn't see anybody until we were 100 miles from Bermuda.'' With their strength sapped through lack of sleep, the pair alerted Harbour Radio as they neared Bermuda.

They were guided into St. George's by a group of wellwishers including boating enthusiast John Trimingham, who sailed out to meet them and lay on a rapturous reception.

"We followed John in. At that stage we were kind of groggy,'' said Mr.

Shields.

Mr. Graf, who lives in Seattle, was quick to hail the high technology of the catamaran as a key factor in their success.

"It's a blend of the new changes in hull design with power catamarans and the introduction of Honda 90 outboards, big enough to push a big boat, which made the difference.

"To be honest, we wouldn't have made the trip without the technology. As it was we probably could have continued -- we still had seven hours of fuel left.'' He added: "We were also fortunate with the weather, and I would like to praise the Bermuda Weather Service. They were really helpful.'' The two adventurers finally got some well-earned rest at Grotto Bay Hotel.

Mr. Shields was expected to fly out of Bermuda yesterday, while his friend left a day earlier.

"We're going to have the catamaran loaded up on ship and shipped back to the States,'' said Mr. Shields.

As for the future, the pair say they haven't lost their taste for adventure.

"Who knows, we may try the North Atlantic next time,'' said Mr. Graf.

WE DID IT! -- American high seas adventurers Larry Graf (left) and Troy Shields raise their arms in triumph after their epic voyage from Virginia Beach to Bermuda in a 26-foot catamaran.