Eco-adventurers make green voyage across globe
Tuesday July 10 2007
A LEAN, 'green' powerboat that would do Batman proud swept into Ireland yesterday to promote a cleaner environment - and set a remarkable new world record.
The stunning silver-coloured 78-foot powerboat, Earthrace (pictured), swept into Cork yesterday to promote a world circumnavigation record attempt next year.
Earthrace, whose crew includes Irish sailors Fred Holland and Adrian Erangey from Cork, arrived at Penrose Quay after threatening to steal the show at the recent America's Cup event in Valencia, Spain.
The brainchild of New Zealand father-of-two, Pete Bethune (42), the powerboat is touring the world both to promote next year's round-the-world record attempt and to highlight 'green' fuels initiatives.
The revolutionary boat - which is made entirely from carbon composites and runs on fuel from animal fat, rape seed, soybeans or other bio-diesel sources - will destroy the myth that only carbon-fuelled craft can boast power and performance.
Her knife-like design is aimed at ensuring she slices through waves rather than riding on top of them.
Next year, Earthrace will aim to smash the record set by British powerboat, Cable & Wireless, in a remarkable odyssey for Bethune who has devoted his life to the project over the past three years. The project has already cost the New Zealander close to €1m - and he still has a year of heavy costs before his world record attempt begins next March when sea conditions are deemed most suitable.
Earthrace will be on view at Cork's city quays until next Friday (July 13).
RALPH RIEGEL
