Last year Icom UK sponsored “Earthrace”, a 100% biofuel eco-boat which completed a round the world speed record. Almost exactly one year on from “Earthrace” crossing the finish line in Spain on 27 June 2008, her international crew of volunteers have been officially recognised as world records holders for circumnavigating the globe in a powerboat. They smashed the previous record by almost 2 weeks!

The trimaran began the challenge in Sagunto, Spain on 27 April 2008. She travelled a massive 23, 497 nautical miles, through the Panama and Suez Canals stopping at another 10 refuelling stops around the world. The journey, skippered by Earthrace founder Pete Bethune, took 60 days 23 hours 49 mins (1,463 hours, 49 minutes).

Pete Bethune said, “Obviously we’re over the moon. It’s great to finally get the official recognition. My goal in starting this project five years ago was to make a positive impact on the environment by increasing awareness of renewable fuels. We have shown that a marine craft using 100% biofuel can travel as fast and efficiently across the oceans as anything using conventional fuels.

Icom UK would like to congratulate the team on their success!