Earthrace on track for India and World Record
Day 42- Earthrace, the 78 foot, biodiesel fuelled trimaran is back in the water repaired, now refuelled she is heading up the Malacca Straits on the next leg of her 24,000 nautical mile round the world record attempt, the 2,000 mile passage to Cochin, India. 
'Posh Semco put Earthrace back in the water Singapore June 2008'
Earthrace
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Earthrace arrived in Singapore last Friday morning local time, having motored 2,200 miles from Palau in Micronesia on one engine after hitting an unknown object, smashing her port propellor and cracking her port drive shaft.
Despite the delays for repairs, the boat is still 1,500 miles ahead of the world record pace, set by the British Cable and Wireless team in 1998.
'We've been overwhelmed by the generosity we've received in Singapore,' says New Zealand skipper Pete Bethune. 'After the accident in Palau we began to doubt whether we still had a shot at the world record, but now the boat is back in top shape and weather conditions for the leg to Cochin are great.
'I'm constantly amazed by all the fantastic support individuals and companies across the globe have shown to Earthrace. Each one of their efforts counts in helping us smash this record and showing the world the potential for sustainable fuels.
Earthrace was lifted back into the water this afternoon local time and sped back to the One Degree 15 marina, where she took on her full load of Spanish bio-fuel. She was back at full pace on that short leg, showing that the repairs had been successful.
'Once we reach Cochin we've only got three refuelling stops to go. If we can maintain this pace up the Suez Canal and through the Mediterranean we could be back in Sagunto 17 days ahead of the world record.'
Earthrace left Singapore at 8.30pm local time and is heading up the Malacca Straits at 22 knots. She will swing around the top of Banda Acheh and head across towards the southern tip of India and then up the west coast to Cochin where she is expected to arrive on Friday morning (13 June).
The crew has relied on the generosity of a number of companies that stepped forward to offer Earthrace support for speedy repair upon arrival to Singapore, particularly POSH SEMCO, an offshore marine service contractor, Assetton asset management, and J B Global, project sponsor.
Repair work was successfully carried out in three days, after the ground crew spent the whole of last week sourcing components and shipyard space.
'Assetton wanted to help Earthrace's world record attempt because we believe it is a great reminder of the race against time to protect our planet,' said Mohan Nainan of Earthrace sponsor Assetton.
POSH Semco director, Peter Lee, said 'we were happy to help Earthrace in her hour of need. As marine salvage specialist, we want to support this worthwhile project, and we were the only company who could act quickly to help save the race.'
Justin Beeton of J B Global is already a Presenting Sponsor of Earthrace since January. He said 'when I heard about the critical repairs required, I immediately wanted to lend further support. I am delighted to confirm my sponsorship for the Australian tour next year and as Sydney Tour Host Sponsor in January 2009.' Justin will also be joining as Guest Crew on the final leg of the race, along with Paul Topley of Churches Fire Security.
Earthrace left Sagunto, north of Valencia in Spain on April 27th. She had to round the world, in less than 74 days, 23 hours and 53 minutes to break the record.
by Rob Kothe 
QLD
