One More Time....

You have to hand it to Peter Bethune and the Earthrace crew, they don't stop trying. After last year's failed attempt by Bethune's team to circumnavigate the planet in record speed with their all-biodiesel-fueled, 70-plus-foot wavepiercer, Earthrace, a second attempt is planned for March. The first attempt was plagued by myriad mechanical problems and even a collision with another vessel, which sadly cost one person his life.

Leaving the past difficulties behind them, the crew is prepared for its shot at redemption. Bethune announced the 2008 challenge will begin from the Vulkan Shipyard, Valencia, Spain on March 1.

According to Bethune, the proposed route is: Valencia - Azores - Puerto Rico - Panama Canal – Manzanillo, Mexico – San Diego, USA – Hawaii – Majuro, Marshall Islands – Koror, Palau – Singapore – Cochin, India – Salalah, Oman - Suez Canal – Valencia. SGC Energia (SGCE) based in Portugal will supply all the fuel required for the record attempt, about 165,000 liters of 100-percent biodiesel.