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Photo Courtesy US Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Shown here in Cochin, India
Credit: Lance Wordsworth/Earthrace
Earthrace, a 100 per cent bio-diesel powered boat on its quest to break the world record for the circum navigation of the earth, today called at the Cochin Port for repair and refuelling purposes
Bio-Fuels ForumPress Trust Of India
Kochi, June 14, 2008
First Published: 22:19 IST(14/6/2008)
Last Updated: 22:27 IST(14/6/2008
Earthrace, the Ecoboat, which is attempting to break the round-the-world speed record, arrived in Kochi for a re-fuelling.
The Earthrace, is a ‘78 feet wave piercing trimaran’, a sailing boat like a catamaran but with three hulls, which runs exclusively on bio diesel and has net zero carbon footprints, thus making it one of the world’s most environmentally friendly powerboats.
Pete Bethune, the captain, told reporters that the boat had covered about 19,300 nautical miles after it started off on its journey from Spain in April. The vessel arrived in Kochi from Singapore.
There are four crew members. While Paul alighted here, a new member David Howard joined the boat from Kochi. After nearly an hour, it left.
Bethune underwent liposuction to donate his own fat to be processed into biofuel. “The aim is to show to the world that the best technology can also be sustainable’, he said.
Bethune auctioned off his home to fund the 1.5 million pound project.
Earthrace is attempting to break the world record set by Cable and Wireless in 1998.
Hindstan Times
Earthrace eco-boat aims for fastest refuelling
Friday, 13 June 2008, 10:26 am
Press Release: Earthrace
Earthrace eco-boat aims for fastest refuelling of world record attempt in India
London/Cochin (Kochi), 12 June 2008:
Earthrace, the world’s fastest eco-boat, is expected to arrive at Cochin Port on Saturday 14 June, for the tenth port stop of its world record attempt.
The boat, which is currently 1,700 miles ahead of the current world record holder, is currently battling Monsoon weather and 3m waves off the coast of Sri Lanka, and has reduced her speed to 16kn as a precaution against stressing the boat’s superstructure following major repairs in Singapore.
The crew are hoping for the fastest port stop in the race, aiming for a rapid 90 minute turnaround with the help of local supporters.
Earthrace is a 24m tri-hull wavepiercer that runs on biofuel and is on day 46 of its attempt to break the world record for a powerboat to circumnavigate the globe. The boat is currently 1,700 miles ahead of the world record pace, set by the British Cable and Wireless team in 1998.
The boat had sustained damage after hitting sea debris on departure from Palau and had to have its drive shaft and propeller replaced in Singapore. Although the crew remained ahead of the world record time, they lost about 1,500 miles from their lead. The speedy turnaround in Cochin will help the crew to claw back valuable time which was lost during these essential repair works.
The crew has relied on the generosity of a number of local companies that have stepped forward to help Earthrace have the fastest port stop in the race – a record within a record! The Cochin Port Trust, GAC Shipping Agents, Incredible India Tourism and Michaels Land Resort have all played a vital role in boosting Earthrace’s chances of smashing the world record.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the local support here in India,” said Skipper Pete Bethune. “If we manage to refuel the boat, stock up on provisions and get on our way again within the 90 minute target we’ll claw back some vital lost time.
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We’re proud to be stopping in Cochin, as they have a strong connection to one of the greatest figures in nautical history. Vasco da Gama was the first person to ever circumnavigate the globe, and he died and was buried here in Cochin. We’re following in his footsteps over five centuries later, but with a couple of engines and a lot more horsepower!”
When Earthrace leaves Cochin it will head to Salalah, Oman, with British Guest Crew, David Howard, joining the team. Keep up-to-date with Earthrace’s progress via the live satellite tracker at www.earthrace.net
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