fastest Newport to Bermuda crossing, set by Boomerang earlier this year.

After departing Newport at 5 a.m. on Monday, the 40-foot trimaran, skippered by John Barry and containing a team of elite sailors, was -- at last report -- given an estimated arrival time of between 5 and 8 a.m. this morning.

Such a finish would easily eclipse Boomerang's existing mark of 57 hours, 31 minutes, 50 seconds, set this summer during the prestigious Newport to Bermuda Race.

For the journey Barry had assembled some outstanding sailors, including many of the best professionals experienced in multi-hull racing such as Bruno Dubois, Phillippe Oulhen and Giles Campan.

Meanwhile, another important team member, Bill Biewenga, remained in Newport selecting the fastest route to Bermuda by taking advantage of the best wind and weather conditions.

Boomerang , of course, had no such benefits.

Due to major structural and rigging modifications resulting in substantial speed improvements, the crew of the Greenwich Propane were confident from the outset that the multi-hulled craft could set a new record.

Greenwich Propane actually set the record earlier in June with a time of 64 hours and 29 minutes but a week later that time was eclipsed by Boomerang .