New Zealand's Earthrace Boat and Crew To Visit Inner Harbor (Baltimore)

[jpak]

http://baltimorechronicle.com/2006/112106Earthrace.shtml

New Zealand's Earthrace Boat and Crew To Visit Inner Harbor on Nov. 23 & 24

Biodiesel-Powered Trimaran Uses 'Green' Technologies

Earthrace— a New Zealand-based project involving a boat and crew that are undertaking the challenge to circumnavigate the globe while using only renewable fuels, will visit the Inner Harbor on Nov. 23 and 24, and will be open for public tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Earthrace is a charitable organization run by volunteers; they are asking for a $5 donation to help them continue their travels.

The boat is powered by 100% biodiesel, a fuel made from plant matter and animal fats that produces low emissions and is biodegradable. Equipped with two low-emission diesel engines, and built with high-tech composite materials used in military aircraft, the boat has a unique hull designed to slice through waves.

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The Earthrace trimaran was designed by renowned New Zealand naval architect Craig Loomis Design Group and built by Calibre Boats. It is valued at $2.5 million. In order to insure the lowest weight and highest strength possible, the hull is constructed using carbon fiber and kevlar. The boat is powered by 2 standard Cummins Mercruiser Diesel engines. It has a top speed of 40 knots, but for efficiency cruises at 15-20 knots.

Biodiesel fuel produces fewer carbon dioxide, sulphur, and soot emissions, "making for a cleaner burn and sweeter smelling trail from boats," according to the organization's prepared statement to the press. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel that can run in any conventional, unmodified diesel engine. The fuel has been used for over 20 years in Europe and is just now being explored as an alternative energy source in the U.S.

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[bananas]

1. I met them when they were passing through San Diego

"the boat has a unique hull designed to slice through waves"
they've been through some storms!

The ship is easy to recognize,
it is silver with "Panasonic" in large letters on the side,
the trimaran looks a lot like a catamaran.