Bermudian sailor Jonathan Carter and his fellow ICAP Leopard3 crew-mates have sailed their way into the world record books, setting a new transatlantic speed record onboard their high-tech, multi-million dollar monohull yacht.

The 100 foot super maxi, helmed by Aussie skipper Chris Sherlock, shaved a remarkable eight hours off the previous mark held by Phocea (eight days, three hours and 29 minutes), completing the 2,925 nautical mile voyage from New York to England in seven days, 19 hours and 21 minutes.

ICAP Leopard3 sailed at an average speed of 15.5 knots and a top speed of 37.4 knots before crossing the finish line in the UK at 20.22.05 (local BST), having set sail on her record-breaking attempt from New York on May 27.

En route to the UK the state-of-the-art vessel collided with what is believed to have been a large sunfish and also had to steer clear of drifting icebergs.

Last year ICAP Leopard3 set a new Rolex Fastnet Race record by an impressive nine hours.

Bermudian bow crew Carter joined forces with his new crewmates earlier this year and is currently being trained as a reserve skipper; one of the requirements he needs to obtain Ocean Master certification.

"Obviously a lot of planning went in behind this (world record attempt) and we were very fortunate to hook up with the right weather system," the past Fitted Dinghy, 420 and Etchells skipper said.

"We did encounter a few gear failures and hit a big fish.

"That slowed us down a bit and forced us to drop the sail and we also had to avoid growlers (submerged icebergs) that may have broken off.

"You can't really see them or pick them up on the radar.

"And if you hit one of them it could end the trip, so to speak."

Carter is an experienced ocean racer having competed in the Marion to Bermuda and Newport to Bermuda Races in the past and he holds a Bermuda C Class Pilot License.

"Ocean racing is a pretty decent experience and not too many people get the chance to attempt for the world record and let alone break it," he added. "This was a great opportunity for me and we had some great sailors onboard.

"They are some of the best guys in the world and very good at what they do."

ICAP Leopard3 skipper Sherlock yesterday hailed his crew whose combined efforts helped make the world record breaking voyage a smashing success.

"It was a nail biting sail right to the finish and we made it with time to spare, even against the tide," the Aussie said.

"It was an incredibly close run to the finish, but that's the exact reason records are records and therefore difficult to beat."

ICAP Leopard3 owner Mike Slade was "absolutely thrilled" about his boat's latest accomplishment.

"Having only had a three -day weather window in New York during which to leave, the weather Gods have been kind," he said.

"This was a delivery without a full sail wardrobe and we almost lost a full day avoiding Southerly icebergs in the mid Atlantic as well as experiencing a full on collision with a monstrous sunfish.

"We always knew it would be close, but that is the beauty of yacht racing as you rely entirely on forces beyond your control to get you there.

"If it was easy, everyone would be doing it!"