Earthrace

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The Earthrace boat cruising in the water.
The Earthrace boat cruising in the water.
Career (NZ) New Zealand merchant ensign
Laid down: unknown
Launched: unknown
Status: active in service
General Characteristics
Displacement: 10 ton
Length: 24 m (78 ft)
Beam: 7 m (23 ft)
Draught: 1.3 m (4f t)
Propulsion: 2 x 350 kW (540 hp) Cummins Mercruiser, Gearboxes: ZF 305A (single speed)
Speed: 45 knots (90 km/h)
Range: 3000 nm (6000 km)
Complement: 4
Notes: Air intakes at top of wings, windscreen 17mm laminated toughened glass

Earthrace is a 78 foot alternative fuel powered wave-piercing trimaran; part of a project to break the world record for circumnavigating the globe in a powerboat—and to do so using only renewable fuels.[1]

Contents

[edit] The boat

The boat's engines are powered completely by a biodiesel fuel source[1]. This fuel is derived mainly from animal fat, soybeans, or other forms of biodiesel fuel[1]. The powerboat itself is a 78-foot dramatic-looking wave-piercing trimaran, with two 540 hp Cummins Mercruiser diesel engines, fueled with 100% Biodiesel, and is made mostly of carbon composite. It cost $1.25 million. When asked, "Regrets about the cost of it all?" Pete Bethune replied "No...You know, I do have the coolest boat in the world."[2]

[edit] The mission

Led by New Zealander Pete Bethune, 41, Earthrace aims to be a showcase of environmentally friendly technologies such as low-emission engines, non-toxic antifouling and efficient hull design. It pierces waves instead of riding on top of them. Piercing the waves gives a smoother ride, and allows the boat to run at high speeds even in rough seas. The current record of 74 days, 20 hours, 58 minutes was set by British boat "Cable & Wireless" in 1998. On February 24, 2006, Earthrace made its first voyage. The record attempt trip is set to start March 1, 2007.

[edit] Collision

On night of 19th of March 2007, while around 22km offshore from Guatemala, Earthrace collided with a local fishing boat. No Earthrace crew were hurt, but one of the three crew members from the fishing boat was killed. [1].

[edit] Specifications

  • Hull: Wavepiercing Trimaran
  • Length: 24 m (78 ft)
  • Beam: 7 m (23 ft)
  • Draft: 1.3 m (4 ft)
  • Range: 3000 nm (6000 km)
  • Maximum speed: 45 knots (90 km/h)*
  • Fuel: B100 Biodiesel (100%)
  • Fuel Capacity: 10,000 litres (2500 imperial gallons)
  • Displacement: 10 ton (10 t)
  • Construction: Carbon, Kevlar composites
  • Crew: 4
  • Beds: 8
  • Engines: 2 x 350 kW (540 hp) Cummins Mercruiser
  • Gearboxes: ZF 305A (single speed)
  • Air intakes: top of wings to remain above waves while piercing
  • Windscreen: 17 mm laminated toughened glass

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Seiff, Abby (2006), "Fast Fueled", Popular Science 269(6): 18
  2. ^ Lacitis, Erik. "Strange watercraft visits Seattle", The Seattle Times, 2006-10-05. Retrieved on March 27, 2007.
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