http://www.earthrace.net/ Problem slows Earthrace trimaran bid 8:00AM Friday May 02, 2008 The Earthrace trimaran is now pounding across the Atlantic towards Puerto Rico and is expected to arrive late on Monday. It paused only a couple of hours to refuel in the Azores, a tiny Portuguese archipelago, after its 2807km first leg from Spain. The second leg, 4287km to San Juan in Puerto Rico, is expected to take 121 hours in the bid to circumnavigate the world, powered by biodiesel, in less than 74 days. At lunchtime yesterday it was 3292km from Spain and travelling at 35.34km/h, on track to make the trip in about 65 days. Skipper Pete Bethune, of Auckland, said a problem with the boat's autopilot meant the crew had to shut off power to it and steer by hand to the Azores. ---------- Earthrace faces refuels in Puerto Rico following excellent run across the Atlantic Puerto Rico/London - 5 May 2008: Earthrace has made excellent time on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic, successfully completing the second leg of the World Record challenge ahead of schedule. The 78ft wave-piercing trimaran has been briefly delayed in the port of San Juan, Puerto Rico due to a delay in its biodiesel arriving at the port, and will now leave for the short crossing to Panama on Tuesday 5 May. Skipper Pete Bethune comments: "We had surplus Biodiesel from our Atlantic crossing which we have added to with a local biodiesel mix for the short leg to Panama, so as to ensure we do not lose too much time. "It wasn't our preference, as the SGC-sponsored biodiesel we have been running is outstanding in terms of performance, but thankfully the compromise is only for a short leg. The most important thing is that we continue to run biodiesel. "Thankfully the team has been running well ahead of schedule so we're confident we'll recoup the time once we reach Panama and our beloved next shipment of SGC biodiesel, which is waiting there in port for us. "These things happen and you just have to rise to these challenges. We now expect to arrive in Panama on Thursday 8th May." Earthrace is an incredible 78ft wave-piercing trimaran that runs exclusively on biodiesel, and has a net zero carbon footprint, making it one of the world's most environmentally-friendly powerboats. Skipper Pete Bethune and his crew set off from Sagunto, Spain on 27 April in an attempt to break the round the world speed record. The route takes the boat across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans as it thunders 24,000 nautical miles along the planet's circumference at a maximum speed of 40 knots. If they succeed, Earthrace will be the first boat to break the record using only renewable fuel. The boat has many additional 'green' credentials, such as low-emission engines, non-toxic anti-foul and efficient hull design. In a brave display of commitment to the cause, Bethune even underwent liposuction to donate his own fat to be processed into biofuel. Earthrace aims to show the world that the best technology can also be sustainable and 100% carbon neutral without skimping on performance or design.