Biodiesel-powered boat sets new 60-day round-the-world record

Washington, June 28 : Earthrace - a biodiesel-powered boat, has set a new record for the quickest journey around the globe by a powerboat, in just 60 days.

According to a report in Discovery News, Earthrace has been traveling around the planet for more than two years to raise awareness for biologically produced fuels - cooking oils, plant matter, even fat.

On June 27, it pulled into port in Sagunto, Spain, setting a new record for the quickest journey around the globe by a powerboat.

Earthrace's 60-day voyage shaved more than 14 days off a record set in 1998 by a boat named Cable and Wireless Adventurer.

The Earthrace crew weathered some dark days in its two bids for the record.

Rock bottom was a March 2007 accident off the coast of Guatemala when Earthrace collided with a small fishing boat, killing one person. Earthrace's New Zealander captain Pete Bethune was hauled into court to explain what happened.

The crew pressed on, but their troubles were not over.

A month later, hampered by mechanical problems, structural issues, bad weather and a host of other nagging problems, Bethune called it quits.

But, by December, Bethune was ready to try again.

He had a new sponsor willing to provide all the 165,000 liters of biodiesel required for the journey and a rejuvenated spirit.

The boat departed from Sagunto in Spain on April 27 and reached back on June 27.

But, Earthrace's adventures are not over, as it will tour Europe over the next few months and then journey to Australia in time for the 2009 Auckland International Boat Show.

ANI