Earthrace, the bid to break the world record for circumnavigating the globe in a powerboat, using only renewable fuels, started today, 10^th March. The race started and will finish in Barbados, with a stop-over in Malta on the 18^th April 2007 . The Malta visit has been made possible through the collaboration of local bio-diesel producers EORC Malta. Throughout its short stay in Malta the boat will be berthed at the Grand Harbour Marina in Vittoriosa, who have offered their support free of charge in view of the environmental nature of the project.

Circumnavigating the globe represents the pinnacle of powerboat challenges, and at 24,000 nautical miles, it is also the world's longest race. The Earthrace aims to smash this record by completing the voyage in less than 65 days, and will mark the first time in history that an official UIM Powerboat record will be attempted using renewable fuel. The current record of 75 days was set by British boat Cable & Wireless in 1998.

As the race begins Earthrace is backed by a solid crew of nine. On board are Skipper Pete Bethune, Cinematographer Ryan Heron, Engineer Anthony Distefano, and Leg Sponsors Bruce Sharp and Paul Farrington.

After three years in the making, the Earthrace record attempt has finally commenced. The unofficial race start time was 12:08:26 UTC. The race attempt began from Carlyle Bay, Barbados.

The first leg of the race will take from Barbados to Panama, 1250 nautical miles, Skipper Pete Bethune plans on travelling continually at 24 knots arriving in Panama after 52 hours.

Earthrace is a non profit organization run by volunteers with the desire to make a global conservational difference, while also setting the World Circumnavigation Record.

The Earthrace is the highest-profile powerboat in the world, as well as one of the greenest. It is a showcase of environmentally friendly technologies such as low-emissions engines, non-toxic anti-foul and efficient hull design. It is also one of the coolest looking boats ever imagined.