US racer Chris Fertig is facing his toughest run yet — but remains determined to blast across the ocean from New York to Bermuda in less than 17 hours by powerboat.“We’re looking for the right window of weather,” he said. “We’re hoping to set out next week, or in the next few weeks.”It won’t be the first time Mr Fertig and crew mate Tyson Garvin have set out to break the record for the race, known as the Bermuda Challenge, across the gulf of sea between the Statue of Liberty and Bermuda’s East End.The daredevil pair set a new top time a year ago when they made the crossing in 21 hours and 35 minutes — breaking a decade-old record set by Bermuda’s own Neil Burnie.But just two months after their August 4, 2012 victory, Italy’s Fabio Buzzi set the bar extremely high: 17 hours and six minutes.“I don’t think anyone can argue that Fabio is the best in the world at what he does,” Mr Fertig said. “He put up an extremely impressive time and didn’t make it easy for anyone to take his record down. But we’re going to give it a shot.”The US team have a new company, Offshore Endurance, that aims to shatter the new record with a high-tech carbon fibre powerboat.However, Mr Buzzi made the 780-mile journey at an average speed of 45.6mph, which makes weather conditions a serious issue for the US team.“We’ll need a perfect forecast,” said Mr Fertig. “With the right weather and no mechanical difficulties, we think there’s a possibility of breaking the record. It’s so fast there’s very little margin for error.”He and Mr Garvin are “excited about the fact that, if we do break it, I think it will be tough for anyone to argue with it”.If all goes right, their boat will set out soon from New York Harbour, and come through the Town Cut to dock at Ordnance Island in St George’s later the same day.Updates will be posted at their website, www.offshoreendurance.com.