Earthrace asks for Industry help
Earthrace, 78 foot bio-diesel powered trimaran has sustained significant damage to its propeller as it hit sea debris on its departure from Koror, Palau, the eighth refuelling stop of its world record circumnavigation attempt. The crew are calling on the Singapore business community to help save the world record attempt. 
'Earthrace (Photo Peter Faretra)'
Earthrace
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The New Zealand built Earthrace is a 24-meter tri-hull wave piercer that runs on biofuel and is on day 36 of its attempt to break the world record for a powerboat to circumnavigate the globe. Upon arrival in Koror the boat was 2,700 miles ahead of the world record pace, set by the British Cable and Wireless team in 1998.
As Earthrace picked up speed leaving Malakal Harbor, Koror, she hit some sea debris, which damaged the port propeller. The boat limped back to port where the propeller was removed and the drive shaft tested. The shaft has been bent and will require complete replacement in Singapore- so we will need a new one machined from a solid bar of stainless steel. The boat is now continuing to Singapore on one engine, whilst the ground crew is doing everything in its power to find a shipyard and facilities to ensure a speedy repair upon arrival.
Her reduced speed of 14-16 knots will still maintain her lead on the current record on this leg, but a speedy repair in Singapore is essential.
"We're in urgent need of help to save the world record attempt," says skipper Pete Bethune, who auctioned off his Auckland home and sold his business to fund the US$3 million project. "We're calling on anyone out there to do anything they can to help us keep this record attempt on track.
"The Earthrace project wouldn't have been possible without all of the fantastic support we've received along the way, and we need help now more than ever.
"The ground crew are doing everything they can, but if we don't have a shipyard and a new drive shaft ready when we arrive in Singapore then we risk forsaking the entire record attempt. We would be eternally grateful for any help we receive at this point."
Anyone able to offer help to Earthrace should get in touch with the team at news@earthrace.net
by Earthrace media 
Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg, QLD
