Earthrace returns to water

By Jessica Sobolik | August 03, 2007
The crewmembers of Earthrace, a tri-hulled powerboat fueled by biodiesel that attempted to set a circumnavigation speed record, "gave it [their] best shot," said Captain Pete Bethune, but in the end, it was not enough to stop water from leaking into a damaged hull. Therefore, the race was postponed until 2008, and following successful repairs, the boat and crew have embarked on a European promotional tour.

On July 3, Earthrace left Valencia, Spain, where extensive repairs were made, to begin a promotional tour around Europe. Its first stop will be Cork, Ireland, followed by ports in Wales, England, Scotland, France, Norway, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. The crew is looking for various boat and ground crew members to help with the tour. Visit www.earthrace.net for more information.

Earthrace started its record bid in Barbados in March, but encountered mechanical problems that slowed the vessel. Repairs were made along the way, but near Guatemala the trimaran collided with a fishing boat. One fisherman on the Guatemalan boat was injured, while another was missing and presumed dead. During an investigation, the crew was held in Guatemala for several days. The race clock was reset once Earthrace left San Diego, Calif., but despite the crew's best efforts, the race was called off in Malaga, Spain, after the vessel faced several storms and sustained additional damages. Undeterred, the crew plans to shoot for the record a second time, starting in March 2008.
 
 
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