Earthrace back on track - repairs near completion

by Earthrace media on 5 Jul 2007
Earthrace repairs are almost complete. 'Repairs to the hull damage which forced Earthrace to abandon her world record attempt to circumnavigate the globe, are almost complete ' reports Earthrace Chief Engineer Scott Fratcher.

Fratcher said that key supporters stepped forward at just the right time, including TYCO’s, Pepe Tames, who provided temporary dock space for Earthrace in the commercial Port of Valencia, just next to the America’s Cup Harbor.

Whilst moored at the TYCO dock, Earthrace attracted the attention of Juan Pablo Molina Martinez, Director General of the newly opened Vulkan Shipyard, who was immediately taken with the unusual boat; he offered the services of his Shipyard and Sponsorship to help get Earthrace back on track for the European Tour. Lucky for Earthrace, Vulkan Shipyard just happened to have a brand new 300T, extra wide travel lift, its 10 meter width easily accommodated the tri-hulled vessel.

Following inspection of the damage up close, an advisory team was consulted including; Craig Loomes Yacht Design, Calibre Boat Builders, both of New Zealand, Germanischer Lloyd Group and of course Skipper Peter Bethune. A plan of action was determined and the team in Sagunto set to work.

Sourcing materials proved to be the next challenge, and what better place to find Carbon Fiber, Kevlar, Resins and talent, than in the compounds serving the America’s Cup challengers. The South African Team Shosholoza supported Earthrace with some materials and the talent to effect the critical repairs, in the person of Riaan Alers.

'We were so fortunate to hook up with Riaan, he is one miracle worker; the guy moves so fast the locals stand back in awe. South Africans are known in the marine trades around the world to be 'missioners,' they get the work done,' Scott beamed, 'this would not be going as smooth without his help.'

Upon viewing photos of the work underway, Andre Moltschaniwskyj of CLD, commented, '…the South African guys ….are doing a beautiful job…we couldn’t ask for a tidier bit of workmanship…'

DIAB, the original sponsor of the foam core for the hull was quick to support Earthrace by sending 6 sheets of the newest material from their headquarters in Sweden.

Local talent joining the team also include brothers Steve and John Rodriguez who have not only put the crew up, but have been hands on with the repairs project; and Joan Rocabert, of Mellow Design who secured sponsorship of a new 'flexi-teek' decking material by Yahis. Joan will join the boat crew as Engineer on the upcoming tour, Pete Trezise, aka Ghandi, will remain, joined by Susie Sunshine, her friend Donna, while Adrian Erangey of Ireland rounds out the current boat crew.

Once the repairs have been completed, likely with the next week, Earthrace will be back on track to promote the awareness and use of renewable fuels.

'The upcoming promotional tour program and ports of call will be posted shortly when we have a firm launch date.' says logistics coordinator Allison Thompson, 'We intend to get underway and head north as soon as Earthrace is launched, look for us initially in the Baltic starting 19 July at the Halmstad, Maritime Festival.'

At each Port of Call it is the mission of Earthrace to:
Promote awareness, education and use of renewable fuels
Film positive marine environmental initiatives
Provide voyages for supporters and sponsors
Showcase sponsor products and services
Display renewable fuel information
Provide public tours of the boat
Meet the public

Companies are invited to sponsor Earthrace on the European Tour or the 2008 Challenge. For details got to - http://www.earthrace.net/index.php?action=view_article&id=41&module=articlemodule&src=%40random456b8bd73bbc2