Earthrace could be used to chase whalers

ROSS GIBLIN/The Dominion Post

BETTER DAYS: Peter Bethune with the futuristic looking trimaran Earthrace in Wellington in 2006, before taking to the waters in his attempt to circumnavigate the globe.

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The owner of New Zealand's record-setting powerboat Earthrace says if he can't find a buyer for the craft he will consider using it to chase Japanese whaling ships.

Pete Bethune is returning to Auckland in the 24m Earthrace in two weeks after touring Australia's eastern coast promoting environmental sustainability messages, including the potential for biofuels.

Earthrace set the fastest round-world record last year for a boat running on biodiesel.

Bethune told the Bateman's Bay Post that if a buyer wasn't found, he was thinking of heading to the Southern Ocean to chase whalers.

Earthrace is now at Merimbula on the New South Wales south coast.

- NZPA