Earthrace to enter new era

MARTIN DE RUYTER/The Nelson Mail

IN TOWN: The Earthrace arrives in Nelson today for a weekend visit which includes public open days

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Now that Earthrace has finished an incredible journey around the world, its owner has exciting plans for its future saving whales.

Earthrace, a tri-hull wave piercer, is powered by 100 per cent renewable biodiesel fuel and is the fastest powerboat to circumnavigate the globe, completing the trip in 60 days in 2008.

The brainchild of New Zealander Pete Bethune, Earthrace could now be used as a boat to help the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to fend off Japanese whalers in Antarctica.

Last night Earthrace cruised to Nelson from Wellington via French Pass, mooring at Wakefield Quay at 8.30am this morning.

"It's the first time I have come through French Pass, it's really narrow and pretty nerve-racking," Mr Bethune said.

"You could feel the boat starting to slip around a bit."

Sea Shepherd has expressed interest in buying or leasing the boat, which is on the market with a $1.5 million price tag.

"I would like to see it go to someone whose heart is in the right place. Sea Shepherd would be the perfect ending to this."

If the boat was used by Sea Shepherd, Mr Bethune said he would like to go to Antarctica to help the environmental crusade, which aims to save whales in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.

He said Earthrace was less about the record it had made and more about spreading a message of sustainability.

"It's easy to be green, you don't have to be a hippie and live in the hills.

"People can live amazing lives, but have to think about what they do to the environment."

Last time Earthrace arrived in Nelson in 2006, the boat was burgled while the crew were out for dinner, and more than $2000 of electronic gear was stolen.

Mr Bethune was not bitter about the burglary and did not see it as a bad reflection on the Nelson community, as enough money was raised to replace the stereo's head unit.

Of 200,000 people who had walked on to the boat during its trip around the globe, there were only about six or seven items stolen, he said.

Earthrace is open to the public today from midday to 6pm, and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. It will be moored at Wakefield Quay. Mr Bethune will speak at the Tasman Bay Cruising Club at 7.30 tonight. Entry is by donation, with proceeds going to the Nelson Volunteer Coastguard's fund for a new boat.