Earthrace: The Iconic Trimaran That Broke Records and Stood as a Beacon for Eco-Friendly Superboats

Few boats in recent history have garnered as much attention as Earthrace - a vessel that redefined cool. The 78ft silver trimaran could have been just another eye-candy marine beauty with its sleek, metallic, and futuristic design that likened an alien spaceship. However, it chose a path of action, breaking world records and endorsing environmental conservation.

Initially conceived by New Zealander Pete Bethune, Earthrace was no less than a marvel in the field of marine engineering. Its carbon fibre and Kevlar build, together with its wave-piercing design, were all aimed at achieving speed records while emphasizing green performance. Though the original plan of electric propulsion powered by low-emission generators was later scrapped, the boat was run by marine diesels operating on pure biodiesel, a move aimed to raise awareness of alternative fuels.

A year later, Earthrace, despite all the odds, grabbed victory, marking its return to Sagunto, Spain after a record-breaking journey of just under 61 days on June 27th, 2008. The Earthrace story didn’t end here though. Renamed Ady Gil, the boat joined the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society but met with an unfortunate end, sinking after a collision with a Japanese whaling vessel in 2010.

Tales about boats can often become lore whispered among fellow sailors and enthusiasts, very few captivate as Earthrace does. Aiming for speed, championing green performance, and with a strapping resilience through challenges, Earthrace carved its name forever in the annals of motor boats’ history.