Eco-boat set to smash round-the-world record

The Earthrace eco-boat is currently on track to beat the world record for a powerboat navigating around the globe.

Earthrace set off from Spain on April 27th. The boat is now travelling across the Pacific ocean, and will dock in Hawaii soon.

Powered by renewable biodiesel held in its 13,000 litre fuel tank, Earthrace is a 24 metre tri-hull wavepiercer with a maximum speed of 40 knots.

The vessel is capable of submarining at up to 7 metres underwater to allow for faster speeds in choppy conditions.

Costing £1.5 million to build, Earthrace was funded by skipper Pete Behune.

The New Zealand resident sold his home and his business to pay for the boat, which he hopes will raise awareness of the capabilities of biofuels.

The current record for a powerboat travelling around the world is 74 days, 23 hours and 53 minutes.

Earthrace is well ahead of schedule, but will struggle to build more of a lead in the Pacific, where her average speed is just 18 knots.