Earthrace is a 78 foot wave piercing trimaran designed by New Zealand naval architect Craig Loomis Design Group and built by Calibre Boats. To ensure the lowest weight and highest strength possible, the hull is constructed of carbon fibre with a top layer of Kevlar and is designed to cut through waves rather than ride on top of them.

The CMD engines were selected for the Earthrace boat in part because of their comparably low emissions. They also are extremely efficient and claim to offer one of the highest power to weight ratios of any engines in their class. CMD, based in Charleston, South Carolina USA, where it employs 200 people, also offers a worldwide support network that will be essential for this type of attempt.

The Earthrace boat will begin its journey on March 6 and is still seeking additional sponsorship for its unique attempt. The stop in Charleston is part of a North American promotional tour aimed at raising awareness for alternative fuels and raising the $500,000 necessary to complete the journey. Earthrace is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization.  ‘We see Earthrace as a valuable project, drawing much needed attention to the use of cleaner fuels on the water, said Gary Dickman, CMD vice president - worldwide sales and marketing. ‘Circumnavigating the globe represents the pinnacle of powerboat challenges, and at 24,000 nautical miles, also is the world’s longest race. ‘ A British boat, the Cable & Wireless, set the current circumnavigation record of 75 days in 1998 with earlier versions of the same Cummins engines. Earthrace plans on finishing in less than 65 days.

MJ Information No: 22730