Earthrace, the world’s fastest eco-boat, successfully underwent massive repairs in Singapore and undertook the leg of its world record attempt which takes it to Cochin, India, where it was expected to arrive yesterday.

Earthrace is a 24m tri-hull wavepiercer that runs on biofuel and is on day 42 of its attempt to break the world record for a powerboat to circumnavigate the globe. Despite the delays for repairs, the boat is still 1,556 miles ahead of the world record pace, set by the British Cable and Wireless team in 1998.

The eco-boat sustained significant damage in Palau and had to complete the last leg of the journey on one engine. Repair work was successfully carried out in three days, after the ground crew spent the whole of the week sourcing components and shipyard space.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity we’ve received in Singapore,” said Skipper Pete Bethune. “After the accident in Palau we began to doubt whether we still had a shot at the world record.

Earthrace’s goal is to set a new world record for a powerboat to circumnavigate the globe, running 100 per cent on renewable biodiesel fuel, and with a net zero carbon footprint. Earthrace is also undertaking a two year promotional tour, visiting 100 great cities around the globe and will also be visiting Malta.

The crew meet local people, talk about their experiences, and most of all connect with people about the need to get renewable fuels into our energy mix and to inspire them to do something themselves to minimise their impact on the environment