Earthrace crew impressed with turnout

JOHN HAWKINS/Southland Times

HAVE A LOOK: Earthrace crew member Andrew Guerin with Riverton School pupils Nissu Kainns, 13, and Khan Lonneker, 12.

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More than 400 people clambered aboard the record-breaking and environmentally friendly powerboat Earthrace at Riverton yesterday.

Crew member Emily Penn was impressed with the turnout, which included school groups from throughout the area.

"Considering what the weather has been like it's very good."

Earthrace is famed for shattering the world circumnavigation record by almost two weeks in June 2008, a feat accomplished on 100 per cent biodiesel.

"That side of it is one of the focuses of the tour. The crew has been educating everyone on the benefits of sustainable living. As well as few stories of the trip of course."

Earthrace will also be open for tours at Riverton today from 10am to 6pm before heading to Bluff tomorrow where it can be viewed between noon and 6pm.

Skipper Pete Bethune will be speaking at a fundraising event for the Coast Guard at Bluff's Drunken Sailor cafe from 8pm tomorrow.

Entry was a gold coin donation and all proceeds would go to the Coast Guard, Ms Penn said.

Rides on Earthrace would also be raffled off, she said.

The boat will be at Bluff on Sunday between 10am and 5pm before heading to Milford on May 16 and 17.

Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children and $10 for a family.

- © Fairfax NZ News