For the second time in less than a month it appears as though the sailing Gods have conspired against Alex Jackson's 100-foot maxi Speedboat – the first yacht to complete this year's Newport to Bermuda Race.

Just weeks after failing to break the existing Newport to Bermuda Race Open Class Divison record (48 hours, 28 minutes and 31 seconds) the Juan Kouyoumdjian-designed yacht has been forced to abandon a transatlantic record-breaking bid due to structural damage sustained on a voyage from New York to England.

"Unfortunately, while roaring along at 25 knots we decided to bear away and raise the dagger board, as the speeds were starting to get to the point where the boat didn't need them," said Speedboat's world renowned skipper Mike Sanderson.

"Just as we were half way to downwind there was a loud bang and pretty quickly we identified that we had broken the port board."

Sanderson, who hails from New Zealand, was attempting to break the transatlantic record (six days, 17 hours, 52 minutes and 39 seconds) he set onboard the 140-foot twin masted Mari Cha IV.

Yet despite failing on the first transatlantic record-breaking attempt, the three-time Americas Cup veteran is confident Speedboat will eventually raise the bar.

"Although this was very disappointing, we were very encouraged by the boat's performance during the trip.

"The boat was just flying from the time we left Ambrose Light (New York)," he said.

"She (Speedboat) was at times out performing her target speeds by 15 to 18 percent and reaching 24 knots in 20 knots of wind."

Speedboat covered the 635-mile Newport to Bermuda Race race course last month in a time of 64 hours, 42 minutes and 56 seconds.

The race was used as a warm- up for the failed transatlantic record breaking attempt just five days later.

"She's very powerful but drives really well," Speedboat owner Jackson told The Royal Gazette during his recent brief stay in Bermuda.

"This is an incredible boat and one of the most exciting I've ever sailed," he added.