Coastal patrol helps biofuel boat

The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol assisted a powerboat fuelled completely by renewable energy through "hazardous waters" at Ettalong when it visited Brisbane Water on January 5.

The Earthrace vessel recently completed a record-breaking round-the-world trip while claiming to have left a zero net carbon footprint.

The voyage began in June last year and took 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes to complete.

"Central Coast Lifeboat was on the water early on the morning of Monday, January 5, to provide help to the eco-friendly vessel Earthrace," coastal patrol publicity officer Mr Ron Cole said.

"Earthrace is a trimaran of unusual design.

"She is 24 metres with an eight metre beam and a 1.4 metre draft.

"She is powered by twin 500 HP Cummins engines that burn bio-diesel.

"The coastal patrol crew guided the vessel through the ocean bar at Little Box Head and through Half Tide Rocks then provided an escort to its planned berth at Iguana Joes Restaurant where she was open for public inspection on January 6 and 7."

The Earthrace powerboat will be making its promotional tour in Australia until the end of the month and heading onto New Zealand where it will be until June.

According to Earthrace skipper Mr Pete Bethune, the aim of the tours is to connect people and encourage debate and understanding about biofuels, carbon footprints and the many other aspects that affect our environmental footprint.

"By demonstrating the power, reliability and environmental safety of biodiesel, Earthrace is committed to transforming our vision into reality," Mr Bethune said.

Press release, 5 Jan 2008 Ron Cole, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol Website, 16 Jan 2009 Earthrace