Earthrace Boat (Biodiesel) Crosses Globe in 60 days to Break Record!

[n2doc]

by Jason Sahler


It’s been an exciting month as we’ve seen green transportation records set on the ground and in the sky, so naturally we are taking the next step and bringing you to the sea with the Earthrace, a 78 ft tri-hull “wavepiercer”. The biodiesel boat recently completed a carbon-neutral tour of the globe in an incredible 60 days and 23 hours, besting the previous world record by 14 days!


The Earthrace, Skippered by Pete Bethune and powered by 100% bio-fuel looks like it may be more at home cruising amongst the stars than amongst the waves.

According to Bethune “Earthrace’s success has proved that any form of transport, including marine, can be non-damaging to the environment as well as being high performance.” In accordance with this statement, CO2 emissions were calculated and offsets were purchased to bring it down to a carbon neutral level.

But it’s not just the fuel that was green. Sustainability permeates many facets of the Earthrace and her team. For the first time in a boat hemp composites were used in the construction, while vegetable and canola oils were used for lubricants and foams for the bedding. Special filters were also used to clean the bilge water of any oil or hydrocarbons. For Pete and his team “it is not just about running the right fuel… it is about all the things you do… and by thinking a little about it, and taking small steps in the right direction, you can make a big difference.”





http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/08/27/earthrace-boat-travels-around-the-world-in-60-days/