BIODIESEL-EXPO BRINGS FIRST RENEWABLE FUEL POWERBOAT TO LONDON

Europe's largest Biofuels event supports Earthrace's circumnavigation of the globe record attempt

Earthrace, the first tri-hull wavepiercer ever built, will be  arriving in London on Friday 7 September to promote awareness of biodiesel as a credible alternative to fossil fuel, and to  encourage businesses into adopting carbon neutral policies.

Several crew members will also be visiting local schools in the London area to discuss their ultimate goal to break the  official UIM world record for circumnavigation of the globe by  a powerboat next year.

Earthrace's quest marks the first time in history that an  official UIM Powerboat record will be attempted using only  renewable fuels.

The boat will open  to the public from Friday afternoon until Sunday 16 September  between 10.30am and 6pm daily at Chelsea Harbour.

Richard Price, Event Director of Biodiesel-Expo 2007  commented: "We are delighted to be involved with Earthrace's  mission to both break the world circumnavigation speed record  and to educate the public about the importance of Biofuels.  This is a truly remarkable boat."

To win a ride on the Earthrace whilst it is in London visitors  should go to www.biodiesel-expo.co.uk and follow the Earthrace  links. 10 lucky people will win the chance to take a 90-minute  ride along the Thames on the weekend of 15 September.

The boat itself is a high-tech showcase of technology and has  been designed to go up to 7m underwater as it submarines through waves. During sea trials the boat has been tested in  12m seas, and has weathered some ferocious storms at high  speed.

Earthrace will begin its record attempt in March 2008, and  Skipper Pete Bethune believes the boat has a realistic chance  of completing the circumnavigation in 65 days or less, the  current record is 75 days.