World record circumnavigation of the globe - 60 d 23 m 49 s

what is earthrace?

The goal of Earthrace was to set a new world record for a powerboat to circumnavigate the globe, running 100% renewable biodiesel fuel, and with a net zero carbon footprint.  The amazing Earthrace boat started the attempt on 27 April 2008 from Sagunto in Spain. 

After breaking the world record in just 60 days 49 hours and 23 minutes  Earthrace returned to Sagunto, Spain on the 27 June 2008, 12.24.00 GMT/14.24.00 CET knocking almost 14 days off the previous record. tThe journey was almost 24,000 nautical miles fueled by biodiesel to demonstrate the efficiency of, and draw global attention to, the potential for alternative fuel sources.

“This fantastic team of people and our astonishing boat have broken the record by a massive margin" said Pete Bethune, New Zealand skipper and owner of Earthrace,  "I finally feel that all the sacrifices made, especially by my wife and daughters, have been worth it.  I don't even  know how to begin to thank all the individuals and companies that have supported us along the way, some of them since the very beginning over five years ago.  Without them, none of this would have been possible”.

Rex Wyler, co-founder of Greenpeace, comments included "Congratulations for achieving your circumnavigation with clean, carbon-neutral fuels.  Thank you for showing the world that this can be done."   www.rexwyler.com
Deep Green Blog

earthrace on tour 2008

One of the most important goals for the Earthrace team is to connect with people and encourage discussion about the need to get renewable fuels into our energy mix. We hope to inspire people to think and do something themselves to minimise their impact on the environment.   Whilst on tour, as during the record attempt itself, the crew meet local people and talk about their experiences.

Earthrace is now undertaking a promotional tour visiting Europe, the UK, Caribbean and Australia, before returning home to New Zealand.

latest tour locations

Click here for more information about the tour

media interviews with Pete Bethune and crew

Please contact +44 (0) 207 681 4070 or email news@earthrace.net

Pictures and broadcast footage from the finish line.
Broadcast footage from the finish is available from our FTP site.  For access to broll, please email news@earthrace.net for login details and then access by clicking here.

Photographs from the finish are also available to view in our high res images page and to download from FTP site above.

NB: Images and video free for news use only.

Documentary/commercial editors please contact the Earthrace team for permission prior to use.